Jharkhand SSC CGL Paper Leak: CID finds evidence; Answers received a night before exam, forensic investigation underway

The CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered critical evidence in the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam paper leak case. Candidates have provided videos and photos of answers to questions from the General Knowledge Paper-3 exam, conducted during the first shift on September 22, 2023.

Allegations of Pre-Exam Answer Sharing

According to the claims made by candidates, answers to the questions were circulated via mobile phones at 10:57 PM on September 21, just hours before the exam. Post-exam verification revealed that most of these answers matched the questions in the paper. As part of their evidence submission, candidates have handed over five mobile phones to the SIT.

Forensic Investigation Underway

The SIT has interrogated several candidates regarding the evidence submitted. Forensic analysis of the videos, photos, and phones is being conducted to verify the authenticity of the claims. The SIT is also reviewing an FIR lodged at Ratu police station by Rajesh Prasad, a Hazaribagh resident. Evidence, including videos and photographs from three examination centers, has been incorporated into the investigation.

Witness Accounts and Additional Evidence

Ramchandra Mandal, a resident of Giridih, provided a photograph and testimony regarding suspicious activity at the Baliapur exam centre. He claimed to have seen a person writing answers on a piece of paper while speaking on a mobile phone. Mandal captured an image of the paper and later verified that the answers matched those in the exam.

Another account came from Premlal Thakur, who appeared at the Kumar B.Ed College center in Dhanbad. Thakur observed a candidate writing on paper after receiving a call. When confronted, the individual attempted to flee and tore up the paper, which allegedly contained answers to the day’s questions.

A photograph from the Makhmandaron center in Ratu, taken before the exam began, showed a candidate writing answers on paper. This evidence was also submitted to the SIT.

Public Appeal for Evidence

The CID had previously issued a public advertisement urging individuals to submit evidence of the alleged paper leak. The advertisement included a mobile number and email address for submissions, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in ensuring a fair investigation.

Allegations of Memorisation Camps

The FIR filed at Ratu police station alleges that candidates were taken to Muzaffarpur, Delhi, and Kathmandu to memorise answers before the exam. Additionally, some candidates were reportedly gathered at a wedding hall in Asansol two to three days before the exam for the same purpose. The SIT is actively investigating these claims.

Legal and Administrative Developments

In response to the controversy, the Jharkhand High Court has placed a stay on the declaration of JSSC CGL exam results until further notice. However, the court has permitted document verification to continue. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for January 22, 2025. Despite the allegations, JSSC has denied any paper leak, asserting the integrity of the examination process.