Ranchi, August 25: The Jharkhand CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned more than 100 candidates as part of its probe into alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), officials said.
Around 20 additional candidates have been served notices and asked to appear before investigators as the probe expands.The SIT is examining whether an organised network involving candidates, intermediaries and people associated with examination centres was involved in alleged attempts to manipulate recruitment examinations.
Investigators are examining information obtained during the questioning of Abhay Tiwari, who has been identified by officials as an alleged key accused in the case.Tiwari, who previously worked as a block supply officer in Godda district’s Poreyahat area, had earlier been employed as a marketing manager with TDPL, an outsourcing firm involved in examination-related work.
The SIT is examining his professional and personal contacts and his possible involvement in competitive examinations conducted over several years.According to information being examined by investigators, candidates were allegedly promised assistance in securing selection in return for large sums of money.
The reported amounts varied depending on the examination and stage of recruitment.Investigators are also examining allegations that technology, including remote-access software, was used to provide unauthorised assistance to some candidates during a Post Graduate Trained Teacher recruitment examination.
The agency is seeking to establish what technology was allegedly used, who operated it and whether it was connected to any wider examination network.Financial transactions are another major focus of the probe. Investigators are examining suspected money transfers and contacts involving people allegedly linked to the case.
Tiwari’s brother Akshay Tiwari and his wife Sushma Kumari have also been arrested in connection with the investigation and are being questioned about suspected financial transactions and other links.The SIT is also examining the possible role of former JPSC chairman L. Khiyangte, former members and other officials and employees associated with the commission. JSSC Secretary Sudhir Kumar Gupta has also reportedly been questioned.
An allegation that a payment of ₹2 crore was made to a former JPSC chairman in connection with an examination contract is also being examined by investigators. The claim has not been independently verified and remains part of the ongoing probe.Opposition parties and student organisations have demanded that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The SIT is continuing to analyse electronic records, financial documents and statements from candidates, officials and other persons to determine the extent of the alleged irregularities and establish individual responsibility.Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and allegations against individuals will have to be established through evidence and due legal process.
