Jharkhand CID Raids Multiple Locations in JPSC Exam Irregularities Probe

Jharkhand CID Raids Multiple Locations in JPSC Exam Irregularities Probe

Recovery of Evidence and Key Suspects

During the searches, which included three locations in Daltonganj, Palamu, investigators seized a variety of electronic devices and documents. According to the CID, recovered items include laptops, mobile phones, digital storage devices, bank passbooks, and cheque books. Crucially, the agency recovered admit cards, mark-sheets, and carbon copies of OMR sheets belonging to several candidates.

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In Palamu, searches began around 3 a.m. and lasted nearly five hours. Rajesh Yadav, the Daltonganj Sadar sub-divisional police officer, stated that the presence of certain documents and devices at the homes of two targets—one a government teacher and another involved in the education business—deepened suspicions of foul play.

The CID is also scrutinizing the history of a key accused, Abhay Tiwari. The agency has requested candidature details from various bodies for exams Tiwari reportedly cleared, including:

• The 11th to 13th Jharkhand Combined Civil Service Examination
• Sub-inspector (2018) and CRPF head constable (2018)
• Navy (2013) and Indian Reserve Battalion (2014)
• Assistant at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (2014)
• Preliminary exams for Northern Coalfields Limited (2014), food supply officer, forest range officer, and assistant conservator of forest

Questioning of Former JPSC Leadership

As part of the probe, former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte was questioned by the CID for nearly seven hours on Monday. Khiangte, a retired Jharkhand chief secretary who was appointed chairman in February of the previous year, arrived at the agency’s office around 11 a.m. and departed at approximately 6 p.m. This marked his fourth round of questioning; he had previously been interrogated for nine hours on July 28 and eight hours each on July 29 and July 31.

Khiangte resigned from his position on July 22, one day before the CID searched multiple locations, including his official residence. On July 27, he stated that he voluntarily chose to resign to facilitate an impartial investigation. To date, the CID has arrested 11 people associated with the commission and the examination process.

Student Protests and Demands for Federal Probe

The investigation follows widespread allegations of irregularities in the results of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination. Students have been holding an indefinite sit-in at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since July 29. The protests intensified on Monday as student leader Devendra Nath Mahto entered the second day of an indefinite hunger strike.

Protesters have expressed dissatisfaction with the CID investigation, with some aspirants claiming that OMR sheets were leaked. The students are demanding several specific actions:

• The cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19.
• A full investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into all recruitment exams conducted by the JPSC and JSSC over the last seven years.
• The introduction of a “not attempted” fifth option on OMR sheets.

The movement has received support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated via social media that the party stands with all the students in Jharkhand and supports their demands.

Impact on Examination Schedules

The controversy has already disrupted official schedules. The JPSC postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination, which was originally set for July 25 to July 27, citing unavoidable circumstances amid opposition from the BJP. The current CID probe is focusing on operational aspects of the recruitment process, including evaluation procedures, question paper management, and the general conduct of the examinations.