Bhubaneswar, July 13: The Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its investigation into the controversial textbook errors after taking over the probe from the state government's inquiry committee. A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to examine the alleged conspiracy behind the mistakes as well as possible financial irregularities in the preparation of free textbooks for the 2026-27 academic session.

According to official sources, the SIT, headed by a Crime Branch Superintendent of Police (SP), includes a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and three other officers. The team is expected to begin its investigation on Monday.

The probe will move forward after the Crime Branch receives the report submitted by the inquiry committee headed by the Development Commissioner, which was constituted on the directions of the Chief Minister.

Sources said investigators have already started identifying individuals who may have been responsible for the errors found in the textbooks. Apart from fixing accountability, the Crime Branch will also examine the expenditure of more than Rs 300 crore incurred on the preparation and distribution of free textbooks during the 2026-27 academic year.

The investigation will scrutinise financial transactions related to the project, including payments made to various agencies. Officials will also verify documents linked to the tender process for desktop publishing (DTP) and textbook design.

The Crime Branch is expected to examine why the responsibility for DTP and design work was assigned to an institution under the Higher Education Department despite the School and Mass Education Department having its own designated agency for the purpose.

The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), through which all financial transactions related to free textbook preparation and distribution are routed, is also likely to come under the scanner. Investigators are expected to examine payments made to outsourced agencies involved in the project, which is jointly funded by the Centre and the State in a 60:40 ratio.

The probe may also extend to members of the State Steering Committee, Core Committee, Editorial Board, Review Committee and coordinators associated with textbook preparation. Particular focus is likely to remain on the Directorate of Teacher Education and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), where the textbooks were prepared.

The Crime Branch investigation is expected to determine whether the textbook errors were the result of negligence or part of a larger conspiracy, while also examining whether established procedures were violated during the preparation and publication process.