Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test Scandal: Seven Arrested in Question Paper Leak

In a significant development in the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) 2025 scandal, authorities have arrested a seventh individual linked to the question paper leak. Prasant Kumar Khamari, a government teacher, is accused of conspiring to leak exam papers scheduled for July 20. Investigations reveal he collaborated with others and targeted teachers who had previously failed the exam. This case has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process, prompting police action and further investigations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 1, 2025, 14:05 IST

Latest Developments in OTET 2025 Question Paper Leak

Bhubaneswar: Authorities have apprehended an additional suspect linked to the 2025 Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) question paper leak, bringing the total number of arrests to seven, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

The most recent suspect was detained in the Kalahandi district.

Identified as Prasant Kumar Khamari, he serves as a government upper primary school teacher in Bhejipadar, Bhawanipatna.

As per the Odisha Police's crime branch, Khamari is believed to have played a role in leaking the question papers for the Special OTET-2025 exam, which is set to take place on July 20, organized by the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) in Cuttack.

A handwritten version of the exam's question paper, which circulated widely on social media, was reportedly authored by Khamari, according to a senior official.

Investigations revealed that Khamari collaborated with several individuals to execute the leak, including Bijay Kumar Mishra, the Ex-Cadre Working President of the State Ex-Cadre Teachers’ Association, and Sanatan Bisoi, the President of the Ex-Cadre Teachers’ Association in Koraput District.

He also targeted vulnerable candidates (teachers) who had previously failed the Special OTET exam, selling them the leaked papers for profit. A crime branch official noted that Khamari transferred Rs 99,000 via phone payment to Mishra after collecting cash from these unsuspecting teachers.

Previously, six other individuals were arrested and presented before the JMFC-III court in Cuttack.

The police have also confiscated Khamari's mobile device and obtained handwriting samples in the presence of witnesses.