The probe into the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) question paper leak has intensified, with the Crime Branch detaining three more individuals.
The fresh arrests include one from Kalahandi and two from Koraput, bringing the total number of accused to six.
According to officials, the suspects include individuals linked to the education sector. The School & Mass Education Minister, Nityananda Gond, emphasised that no matter the stature—be it teacher or influencer—strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty.
The minister also acknowledged the injustice caused to honest candidates and assured the public that a clean and transparent re-examination would be announced soon. “The guilty will be punished. We are working on safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming exam,” he stated.
The minister clarified that those appointed as teachers before 2011 are not required to sit for OTET, based on previous notifications. However, with the latest NCTE guidelines, a special OTET exam has been arranged to address promotion barriers for veteran teachers.
Originally scheduled for July 20, the independent OTET examination was postponed after the leaked question paper went viral just hours before the exam. The sudden cancellation caused inconvenience and resentment among aspirants.
Efforts are now underway to issue a new date for the exam, ensuring fairness and transparency for all applicants.
