Ramgarh (Jharkhand), Mar 31: The Ramgarh district administration has ordered a probe into alleged tampering of computer systems at an examination centre ahead of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) scheduled on April 2, officials said on Tuesday.
The incident was reported from Radha Govind University (RGU), where the computers were to be used for conducting the national-level entrance test.
Three persons — Dinesh Kumar Mahto, Suraj Kumar Singh and Shakir Ansari — have been arrested in connection with the case, while a manhunt has been launched to nab other accused, police said. One of those arrested is a computer operator at the university, raising concerns over possible insider involvement.
According to officials, the incident occurred on March 29 when university staff noticed suspicious activity in the computer laboratory. When confronted, the accused allegedly claimed to be authorised technical personnel associated with the examination process.
Acting swiftly on a complaint filed by the university, police conducted raids and arrested the accused the same evening. Authorities also seized 70 computer monitors, three CPUs, three mobile phones and a luxury SUV from their possession.
Ramgarh Deputy Commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz said a detailed inquiry has been ordered into the matter. “We have ordered a probe into the matter and asked for findings at the earliest,” he said.
The investigation will be led by Sub-Divisional Officer Anurag Kumar Tiwari, who has been directed to submit a report promptly.
Officials said the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the JEE, has been informed about the incident along with its technology partner. Authorities have urged the agency to assess whether the centre is suitable for holding the examination.
“The accused claimed they were technical staff from an authorised company,” a police official said, adding, “Three persons have been arrested and a manhunt is underway to nab others involved.”
In a statement highlighting exam safety concerns, officials said, “The examination body has been informed and asked to evaluate if the centre is suitable.”
The incident has raised serious questions over the security and integrity of examination centres, even as authorities emphasised that prompt action was taken to prevent any potential compromise of the upcoming JEE.
