Bhubaneswar, June 8: A major case of alleged examination malpractice came to light during the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Preliminary Examination on Sunday after an aspirant was reportedly caught red-handed using electronic devices to obtain answers from outside the examination centre.
The accused, identified as Avinash Rout, was appearing for the prestigious competitive examination at a centre located in the CDA area of Cuttack. According to reports, invigilators became suspicious after noticing him repeatedly reading examination questions aloud during the test.
Upon closer observation and inspection, officials allegedly discovered that Avinash had concealed a mobile phone inside his undergarment and was using an earphone to communicate with persons outside the examination hall. The examination authorities immediately detained him and informed the police.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the candidate was allegedly receiving answers over the phone from three associates stationed outside the examination centre. The accused accomplices were identified as Soumyaranjan Sahu, Alex and Rupesh.
Police said the trio was operating from different locations in the CDA and Badambadi areas and was allegedly dictating answers to the candidate in real time. After analysing call records and tracing communication through the seized mobile phone, Markatnagar Police arrested all three individuals.
Avinash was handed over to the police for further legal action. Investigators are now examining whether the accused had planned the cheating operation in advance and whether similar methods were used in previous examinations.
Notably, Avinash Rout is employed as a supervisor with an outsourcing agency at SCB Medical College and Hospital. Police have launched a detailed investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged malpractice network.
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