Bhubaneswar: A three-member state government committee on Wednesday started its probe into allegations that a postgraduate medical exam question paper was circulated from MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur during exam hours.
The panel, formed by the Health and Family Welfare Department on July 31, visited the college campus and reviewed the case with senior officials.
The team includes Additional Secretary Bijay Kumar Dash, Special Secretary (Medical Services) Bijay Kumar Mishra and Joint Director, Medical Education and Training, Dr Anil Kumar Sahu.
At MKCG, the members met Dean-cum-Principal Dr Hari Krishna Dalai and Superintendent Dr Sudeepa Dash. They also held discussions with faculty and checked CCTV footage to try and trace how the paper allegedly got out.
Officials said the committee is looking into the source of the circulation and the timeline of the incident. “We cannot share details at this stage. The inquiry is on and we will submit our report to the government within the stipulated time,” a committee member said.
The panel has two weeks to file its report. The PG medical theory exams for the 2023-26 batch were conducted by the Odisha University of Health Sciences, OUHS, from July 21 to August 6. A total of 154 candidates appeared at MKCG.
According to officials, the question paper of the second paper held on July 27 was allegedly shared on social media shortly after the exam began. The circulation was suspected to have originated from MKCG.
MKCG authorities have separately set up a five-member internal inquiry committee headed by the Superintendent to look into the matter.
OUHS officials said they are extending full cooperation to both inquiries.
