JSSC-CGL Paper Leak Probe Reaches Asansol, JPSC Case Leads to Coaching Centre Owner’s Arrest

The investigation into alleged irregularities in two major Jharkhand recruitment examinations has widened, with the CID uncovering new links and making fresh arrests in both cases. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the JSSC-CGL case has arrested Dilip Kumar Paswan, while Sanjeet Kumar, owner of Ranchi-based Shivangan Coaching, has been arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination.

Investigators are now focusing on the alleged networks operating behind the examination-related irregularities, including the movement of candidates, financial transactions and intermediaries who allegedly connected candidates with members of the syndicate.

JSSC-CGL probe expands to West Bengal

With Dilip Kumar Paswan's arrest, the number of people arrested in the JSSC-CGL case since July has reportedly reached 12. According to the CID, Paswan was allegedly in contact with the examination syndicate and helped arrange unfair advantages for candidates.

The investigation has reportedly found that several candidates were taken to Asansol in West Bengal shortly before the examination. The allegation is that they were made to memorise answers to questions from the purported leaked paper. Candidates were allegedly charged lakhs of rupees for the arrangement.

The CID has also alleged that some candidates were accommodated in hotels and other undisclosed locations in Asansol as part of the arrangement.

Digital trail under investigation

Paswan is originally from Jamui in Bihar and was reportedly living in Andal, West Bengal. During searches and technical investigation, the CID claims to have recovered digital and documentary evidence allegedly linked to financial transactions with candidates.

Investigators are also examining information received directly from candidates and members of the public regarding allegedly suspicious candidates. Complaints have reportedly raised questions about the academic records, alleged connections and unusually high examination scores of some successful candidates.

Such complaints have reportedly been received from Palamu, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Giridih, Latehar, Ramgarh, Deoghar and Koderma, among other districts. The CID is matching the information with its own investigation and questioning candidates wherever a suspicious role emerges.

So far, around 500 candidates and other persons have reportedly been questioned in connection with the probe.

JPSC investigation focuses on coaching network

Meanwhile, the CID investigation into alleged manipulation of the 14th JPSC examination has led to the arrest of Sanjeet Kumar, who runs Shivangan Coaching in Ranchi.

According to investigators, Sanjeet allegedly acted as an intermediary between candidates and members of the examination syndicate. The allegation is that the coaching centre was used to identify candidates who were considered weak in their preparation, after which arrangements were allegedly made through the syndicate to provide them an unfair advantage in the examination in exchange for money.

The CID is now examining the coaching centre's network, bank accounts and links with other individuals. The premises had earlier also been searched as part of the investigation.

Probe moves beyond the alleged paper leak

The latest developments indicate that the CID investigation is no longer limited to the alleged leakage of examination material or irregularities on the day of the examination. Investigators are attempting to map the wider network, including intermediaries, candidate selection, movement of candidates, financial transactions and the alleged mechanisms used to influence examination outcomes.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the arrested individuals and others will have to be established through evidence and the legal process.