Was There Major Fraud in the Rajasthan Assistant Fire Officer Recruitment Exam of 2021?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sobia Syed was arrested for using fake documents.
- Her qualifications raised serious questions about the integrity of the recruitment process.
- The SOG is actively investigating similar cases.
- Fraudulent activities in government recruitment are a growing concern.
- Legal action has been initiated against her under various IPC sections.
Jaipur, Dec 19 (NationPress): In a major development amid the ongoing campaign against fraudulent activities in government recruitment processes in Rajasthan, the Special Operations Group (SOG) has apprehended Sobia Syed, who had fraudulently acquired a role in the 2021 Assistant Fire Officer and Fireman recruitment examination by utilizing forged academic credentials.
When apprehended, Syed held the position of Assistant Fire Officer in the Malviya Nagar area of Jaipur.
As per Vishal Bansal, Additional Director General of Police (SOG), the investigation took an intriguing turn when officials noted that despite Syed's average performance in the written test, her scores in the physical efficiency and practical examinations were disproportionately elevated.
A thorough analysis of video recordings and diligent document checks unraveled a sophisticated scheme behind her appointment.
Further inquiry unveiled that Syed had secured multiple degrees and diplomas within the same academic year, raising further doubts.
These qualifications comprised a standard B.Tech. degree from Rajasthan Technical University, Kota; a diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering from the National Institute of Fire and Safety Engineering, Nagpur (Maharashtra); and a 'Sub Fire Officer' diploma from Singhania University, Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan).
Obtaining these qualifications concurrently during the same academic session is physically impossible due to the institutions being located 900 km apart. This revelation substantiated the fraudulent nature of her claims.
In her pursuit to gain a government role, Syed misrepresented her credentials by presenting a diploma from Nagpur University during the selection process.
The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board and the Department of Local Self-Government were misled into appointing her as an Assistant Fire Officer based on these counterfeit documents.
Consequently, the SOG has lodged a case under sections 420 (cheating), 467 (forgery of documents), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 471 (using forged documents as genuine), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
ADG Vishal Bansal stressed that this arrest represents merely the beginning of the investigation.
The SOG has received multiple reports concerning similar fraudulent activities in the 2021 recruitment examination.
Additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation advances.