Jaipur, Jan 26 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot raised concerns on Tuesday regarding the comments made by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma about alleged tampering of OMR sheets. Gehlot stated that such public remarks could potentially hinder the ongoing investigation led by the Special Operations Group (SOG).

The former CM emphasized that it is inappropriate for a sitting Chief Minister to make statements that seem to imply a predetermined conclusion while an investigation is still ongoing.

Gehlot questioned CM Sharma's basis for claiming that irregularities were limited to a specific timeframe, especially since the SOG has indicated that tampering with OMR sheets has occurred over the past 11 years.

He argued that if the accused individuals have remained in the same positions throughout various administrations, it would be unreasonable to limit the investigation to a single term.

Moreover, he expressed concern that publicly exonerating the current government could place undue pressure on the Investigating Officers and potentially influence the investigation's scope.

"Findings from the SOG must be regarded with seriousness. Political declarations from those in authority could undermine the investigation's integrity and foster skepticism among the public, particularly the youth," he remarked.

Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully shared similar sentiments, asserting that the Chief Minister's statements were an effort to sway the investigation. “By suggesting that those arrested engaged in scams solely during the Congress era, the Chief Minister is attempting to manipulate the investigation,” Jully noted.

“The public deserves to know if someone accused of OMR sheet tampering in 2019, who continued in the same role until 2026, suddenly became honest during 2024 and 2025. Crimes don’t cease on their own,” he added.

Jully further questioned why the Chief Minister was exonerating his own administration even before the investigation concluded. “Is there pressure being exerted on the SOG, and is the investigation being intentionally limited?” he asked, insisting that a fair inquiry should encompass the 2024–25 period to reveal the full truth.

Previously, CM Sharma had accused Gehlot and the Congress party of hiding OMR sheet tampering incidents related to examinations conducted by the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB).

The Chief Minister stated that the irregularity was first uncovered in 2019 after the Uttar Pradesh Police alerted the Rajasthan government about a gang. He questioned why the matter was overlooked for four-and-a-half years and why no action was taken based on the UP STF's report. Sharma made these comments while addressing new voters at his camp office in Sanganer on National Voters’ Day.

In response to criticism, CM Sharma affirmed that the government would not overlook anyone involved. “If we had not initiated a case regarding the OMR tampering incident, the culprits would have evaded capture. We have arrested around 400 individuals in paper leak cases thus far, and this action will persist,” he promised. “Rest assured, we will pursue justice relentlessly. Anyone who has engaged in misconduct, be it in the past, present, or future, will face consequences,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Notably, the SOG recently apprehended five individuals, including the technical head of the RSSB, for allegedly manipulating OMR sheets to artificially boost scores.

The suspects are accused of facilitating government employment for 38 candidates through fraudulent activities across three recruitment examinations.

The SOG also confiscated ₹60 lakh in cash and pertinent documents from two of the suspects.

Following these arrests, Gehlot has accused the government of politicizing the situation and reiterated the necessity for a thorough investigation into all examinations conducted during the relevant timeframe.