Ranchi, Aug 14: The Jharkhand CID has intensified its investigation into alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations, questioning former commission member Dr. Anima Hansda even as searches continued across five districts for seven absconding accused allegedly linked to candidate-agent networks.
The CID recorded Hansda’s statement on Friday in connection with allegations involving examination irregularities, manipulation of OMR sheets, selection of the examination-conducting agency TDPL and alleged extortion.
Hansda, however, denied any involvement in the alleged irregularities and maintained that she had no role in the cases being investigated.
During questioning on the selection of TDPL, Hansda reportedly told investigators that the process was handled through former JPSC chairman L. Khiangte. She could not provide details about the alleged role of other commission members in the agency selection, according to sources.
The CID had earlier questioned former JPSC members Dr. Ajita Bhattacharya and Dr. Jamal Ahmed on August 10 and August 12, respectively. Investigators are now verifying allegations made by arrested accused against the former members and collecting evidence to establish whether the claims are substantiated.
Meanwhile, the CID continued searches for seven accused for the second consecutive day. The suspects, allegedly comprising coaching operators and middlemen who acted as agents between candidates and others involved in the alleged racket, are wanted in the case and arrest warrants have been issued against them.
The investigating agency has indicated that attachment and confiscation proceedings could follow if the accused continue to evade arrest.
The CID also questioned Dharmendra Kumar, former computer operator of ex-JPSC chairman L. Khiangte, for the fourth consecutive day. Investigators confronted him with evidence and statements of other accused and cross-checked his responses.
During interrogation, Dharmendra reportedly admitted to his involvement in activities ranging from alleged extortion to facilitating the examination agency setup. He also reportedly told investigators that Khiangte had placed considerable trust in him.
Arun Kumar alias Arun Sharma, director of Binsys Technology Private Limited, was questioned for the third day. According to the investigation, Arun reportedly admitted that a deal worth ₹2 crore for JPSC-related work had been struck, with Dharmendra allegedly acting as the intermediary.
The CID is simultaneously scrutinising OMR-related evidence in the case. Investigators had sought photographs of carbon copies of OMR sheets from candidates who cleared the preliminary examination of the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Competitive Examination 2025.
Of the 2,204 candidates who cleared the preliminary examination, the CID has so far received OMR sheets from 1,750 candidates, which are being verified and scrutinised. The remaining 454 candidates have not yet submitted their OMR sheets and are also under the agency’s investigation.
The latest developments come as the CID widens its probe into alleged manipulation and irregularities in the JPSC examination process, with investigators examining the roles of commission officials, intermediaries, examination agencies and candidates.
