Utkal University files police complaint after alleged exam paper leak sparks outrage in Odisha

Utkal University authorities filed a police complaint on Friday regarding an alleged leak of a question paper for the ongoing second-semester degree exam, according to an official. Hrusikesh Nayak, the controller of examinations at the university, stated that they had received information about the leak from unverified sources, but the exact source remains unknown.

The university plans to first verify the source of the leak before taking any action. University officials did not have any firsthand knowledge of the alleged leak from their own colleges. The sealed question papers were sent to the colleges in advance, and the packets were not opened until 30 minutes before the exam began. The second-semester degree exam commenced on September 12 and is being conducted at approximately 300 affiliated colleges, with a significant number of students participating.

Students have called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegation and strict disciplinary action against those responsible. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) also criticized the incident, highlighting 25 previous instances of exam failures, cancellations, postponements, irregularities, and other lapses during the two years of the BJP-led government.

The latest Utkal University situation has once again raised serious concerns about the government's capacity to conduct examinations fairly, transparently, and securely.