The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jharkhand has summoned former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Chairman L. Khiangte for questioning on Tuesday, 27 July, as part of its probe into alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and several other recruitment tests. The summons marks a significant escalation in one of the state's most closely watched public service recruitment scandals.

What Investigators Are Probing

Investigators are expected to question Khiangte on multiple aspects of the recruitment process and the conduct of the examinations. The CID's focus includes how examinations were administered, the role of external agencies, and the integrity of evaluation procedures.

Khiangte has stated he will fully cooperate with the agency. 'The investigation is necessary and it will clear any doubt whether any irregularities took place,' he said. He also indicated that his resignation from the Chairman's post was motivated by the need for an impartial probe.

Raids, Seizures, and Arrests So Far

Three days before the summons, CID officials conducted searches at Khiangte's government residence on Kanke Road and at his office chamber in the JPSC headquarters in Ranchi. The nearly five-hour operation involved examination of several documents and preliminary questioning.

Investigators also raided the office of the data processing company responsible for conducting the examinations, seizing recruitment-related documents, OMR sheets, and digital evidence from computers at the JPSC office. Crucial records linked to the examination process were also taken from the data processing company's premises.

The CID has so far arrested eight people in connection with the case. Those in custody include former JPSC Deputy Examination Controller Shweta Kumari Gupta, data processing company Director Ramveer Singh, Marketing Manager Abhay Kumar Tiwari, and other company employees. Additionally, Arvind Mandal, described as a close associate of Tiwari, was arrested from Poraiyahat in Godda district.

Who Is L. Khiangte

Khiangte assumed charge as JPSC Chairman on 6 March 2025, having previously served as the Chief Secretary of the Jharkhand government — one of the state's most senior administrative positions. He resigned from the Chairman's post following the CID raids, citing the need for an unhindered investigation.

What Comes Next

Tuesday's interrogation is considered a pivotal moment in the probe, given Khiangte's seniority and his direct oversight of the commission during the period under scrutiny. The investigation's trajectory — including whether further arrests or charge sheets follow — is expected to become clearer in the coming days. With eight arrests already made and evidence seized from multiple locations, the CID's case appears to be building toward a formal charge.