Jharkhand Recruitment Scam: CID Probes Claims of CDPO Seats Being Sold for Up to Rs 12 Lakh

The investigation into alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations has taken a significant turn after prime accused Abhay Kumar Tiwari reportedly made a detailed confession before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), alleging that several Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) posts were manipulated in exchange for money.

According to the statement attributed to Tiwari, almost all general-category seats in the 2026 CDPO examination were allegedly fixed in advance to facilitate the selection of candidates from outside Jharkhand. He claimed that candidates were charged at least Rs 10 lakh for securing an appointment.

Tiwari had worked as a marketing manager with TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), the outsourcing agency responsible for conducting the examination. His alleged disclosures have prompted the CID to broaden its probe into the recruitment process.

Investigators are now trying to establish how many candidates allegedly paid money, who acted as intermediaries, how the payments were made and at what stage the examination or interview process was manipulated.

Tiwari has also allegedly named former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Chairman L. Khiangte and then-member Ajita Bhattacharya in connection with alleged manipulation of interview boards. These claims, however, are allegations made in his statement and are yet to be independently established by the investigating agency.

In one case, Tiwari reportedly referred to a candidate identified by the surname “Rajak” and claimed that the interview board was headed by then-JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte. He alleged that the arrangement was facilitated through a person named Ramveer Singh for Rs 15 lakh.

In another case involving successful candidate Kajal Bharti, Tiwari allegedly claimed that her interview board was headed by Ajita Bhattacharya and that Rs 10 lakh was paid to her personal assistant.

His statement also reportedly mentions candidates Pramod Kumar Pathak and Kumari Dolly Jaiswal. According to the accused, an ITI project manager identified as “Krishna” allegedly acted as a middleman in both cases.

Former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte has already been arrested in connection with the case and is currently in judicial custody. The CID has also questioned former JPSC member Ajita Bhattacharya as part of the investigation.

The agency is now working to determine whether the allegations in Tiwari's statement can be backed by independent evidence. Investigators are examining suspected financial transactions, call detail records, digital evidence, bank account movements and original examination and interview records.

The focus of the investigation is not only on identifying those who may have benefited from the alleged manipulation but also on establishing the network through which money and information may have moved.

If the claims are corroborated through legally admissible evidence, the investigation could expand further and potentially bring additional officials, candidates and intermediaries under scrutiny. For now, the CID is verifying the allegations before drawing conclusions about the extent of the alleged recruitment racket.
 

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