A three-member committee formed by the Odisha government initiated its investigation on Wednesday into allegations surrounding the illicit circulation of a medical postgraduate (PG) examination question paper in the state, according to officials.
The committee consists of officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department, including Additional Secretary Bijay Kumar Dash, Special Secretary (Medical Services) Bijay Kumar Mishra, and Joint Director of Medical Education and Training Anil Kumar Sahu. They visited MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where the question paper was reportedly leaked during the exam.
During their visit, the committee engaged in discussions with senior faculty members, including Dean-cum-Principal Hari Krishna Dalai and Superintendent Sudeepa Dash, regarding the alleged malpractice.
Efforts were made to trace the source of the leak through conversations with faculty and by reviewing CCTV footage. Formed on July 31, the committee is expected to submit its findings within the next two weeks.
Officials involved in the inquiry chose not to reveal specifics of their discussions with the medical college administration. One committee member remarked, “The inquiry is ongoing, and we cannot disclose further details at this time. We will report to the government as scheduled.”
The theory portion of the postgraduate exam for the 2023-26 cohort, overseen by the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OSUH), commenced on July 21 and concluded on Wednesday.
Officials noted that 154 students participated in the exam at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. However, it was reported that the question paper for the second exam, held on July 27, was shared on social media shortly after the exam began, allegedly originating from the same medical college.
In response, the college has established a five-member committee led by the superintendent to conduct an internal investigation. Sources indicate that this internal committee has already begun its inquiry by interviewing students and other individuals involved.
