Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into alleged irregularities in the preparation, approval and publication of school textbooks for Classes I to VIII in the state, registering a criminal case based on a complaint filed by the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
According to the Crime Branch, the case has been registered as Crime Branch Case No. 08/2026 on the basis of a written complaint lodged by SCERT Director Madhusmita Sahu. The case has been booked under Sections 316(5), 201, 3(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The investigation will be carried out under the direct supervision of the Crime Branch Superintendent of Police, with DSP Narendra Kumar Behera appointed as the Chief Investigating Officer.
The Crime Branch said multiple special investigation teams have been constituted to ensure a comprehensive and impartial probe into the alleged irregularities.
Investigators will examine every stage of the textbook preparation process, including content selection, approval, printing, publication and distribution. The probe will involve scrutiny of relevant documents, official records and other evidence, while persons concerned will be questioned as required during the course of the investigation.
The Crime Branch said further legal action will be taken on the basis of the evidence collected during the investigation.
