Former JPSC Chairman L Khiangte arrested in exam irregularities case amid protest

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Jharkhand Police has arrested former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Chairman L. Khiangte in connection with the alleged irregularities and merit scam surrounding the 14th Civil Services Preliminary Examination.

According to the CID, investigators have found evidence suggesting Khiangte’s alleged involvement in the award of the examination contract to TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), a Lucknow-based outsourcing agency that had previously been blacklisted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The investigation has focused particularly on alleged violations of prescribed procedures and suspected financial transactions linked to the contract. The CID claims that the examination work was handed over to TDPL on a nomination basis instead of following an open tender process.

TDPL had been blacklisted by the JSSC in May 2025 over alleged irregularities. Despite this, the company continued to secure examination-related contracts, including work associated with the JPSC, according to investigators.

A key allegation in the case emerged during the interrogation of TDPL marketing manager Abhay Tiwari, who was arrested earlier. The CID said Tiwari told investigators that Khiangte allegedly received around Rs 2 crore from the company in return for facilitating the contract. He also allegedly claimed that the former JPSC chairman was paid a commission equivalent to 20 per cent of the total contract value.

Before his arrest, Khiangte was questioned by the CID for more than 30 hours over four separate sessions as investigators sought to establish his role in the alleged irregularities.

The investigation also brought to light a written objection reportedly submitted by the then JPSC Controller of Examinations. According to the CID, the official had cautioned senior Commission authorities about TDPL’s previous record and specifically pointed out that the JSSC had blacklisted and subsequently de-listed the company on May 20, 2025.

Despite the objection, investigators allege that the contract was awarded to TDPL through nomination rather than a competitive tendering process.

During questioning, Khiangte reportedly maintained that the Commission was not aware of TDPL’s blacklisted status when the contract was awarded. He described the issue as an administrative lapse. The CID, however, continued investigating whether the decision involved deliberate violations of procedure or other considerations.

The probe has also included searches at Khiangte’s official residence on Kanke Road and at the JPSC office. During the raids, investigators seized documents and electronic devices believed to be relevant to the case.

With Khiangte’s arrest, the number of people arrested in connection with the alleged examination scam has risen to 19. Among those arrested are JPSC Deputy Controller of Examinations Shweta Kumari Gupta, TDPL Director Ramvir Singh, Abhay Tiwari and the former JPSC chairman’s computer operator.

The CID has also sealed TDPL offices in Ranchi and Lucknow as part of the investigation.

The case has raised broader questions over the process through which examination contracts were awarded and the checks in place to prevent agencies facing adverse action from receiving fresh government assignments. Investigators are now examining whether other officials, intermediaries or private individuals were involved and whether the alleged irregularities were part of a larger network operating around the examination process.

The CID investigation is continuing, and the allegations against the accused will be subject to the outcome of the legal proceedings.