CID raids JSSC office in Namkum, questions secretary in Jharkhand exam paper leak probe
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Friday, 4 September conducted searches at the office of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) in Namkum, Ranchi, and questioned commission secretary Sudhir Gupta as part of an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities, malpractice, and paper leak cases linked to state recruitment examinations.
What the CID Found at the JSSC Office
CID officials examined documents stored in the commission's record room and other relevant branches. According to sources, the team came across certain OMR sheets and other examination-related documents during the exercise. The agency has not yet issued an official statement on the nature or quantity of the materials examined or recovered.
Secretary's Residence Also Searched
Before arriving at the JSSC office, the CID team reportedly searched the residence of secretary Sudhir Gupta on Harihar Singh Road in Ranchi's Morabadi area. Officials are said to have inspected documents and electronic devices found at the premises. No official confirmation regarding any material recovered from the residence has been issued.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigating agency is attempting to determine at which level the alleged irregularities occurred and to identify those potentially involved. Documents and digital evidence gathered during the probe are being cross-verified against records related to the examination process. The CID is also examining whether any unauthorised person accessed question papers or other confidential materials prior to the examinations.
According to sources, more officials and employees connected to the matter could be questioned in the coming days.
Background: JSSC Exam Cancelled After Irregularity Allegations
The searches come days after the JSSC on 31 August cancelled the Intermediate Level (Computer Knowledge and Hindi Typing Qualification Holder Posts) Combined Competitive Examination-2023, halting the recruitment process for approximately 836 clerk posts across various state government departments. The cancellation underscored the scale of the alleged malpractice and the pressure on authorities to act. This probe is part of a broader pattern of examination irregularity cases that have surfaced across multiple Indian states in recent years, raising persistent questions about the integrity of public recruitment systems.
As the investigation deepens, all eyes remain on whether the CID will make formal arrests or issue charge sheets in the weeks ahead.