Odisha Crime Branch Probes School Textbook Irregularities

The Odisha Police’s Crime Branch has registered a formal case into alleged irregularities in school textbooks for Classes I–VIII.

The investigation follows a written complaint by Madhusmita Sahoo, IAS, Director of Teacher Education and SCERT.

Special teams have been constituted under the supervision of the SP, CID Crime Branch, with DSP Narendra Kumar Behera leading the probe.

The investigation will scrutinise the entire textbook ecosystem — from content selection and preparation to approval, printing, publication, and distribution.

The case has been registered under sections 316(5), 201, 3(5), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Officials have assured that the probe will be impartial and evidence-driven, with further legal action to follow based on findings.

Educationists and parents have long raised concerns about the quality and timely availability of textbooks in government schools.

With special teams already deployed, the Crime Branch is expected to move swiftly in addressing these issues.