The CID-Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has questioned more than 100 candidates so far, officials said on 25 August. The probe, centred on Ranchi, is expanding rapidly as investigators follow leads from the interrogation of the alleged key accused.

Key Developments in the Probe

On Tuesday, around 20 more candidates were served notices to appear before the SIT for questioning. The agency is examining the alleged involvement of candidates, intermediaries, and individuals linked to examination centres, drawing on electronic evidence and statements gathered from the accused.

The investigation is anchored around the interrogation of Abhay Tiwari, identified as the alleged key accused. Tiwari had previously served as a Block Supply Officer in Poreyahat, Godda district, and before entering government service had worked as a marketing manager with TDPL, an outsourcing agency associated with the conduct of examinations. Investigators are scrutinising his alleged role in multiple competitive examinations over previous years, as well as his network of contacts.

Alleged Bribe Amounts and How the Racket Reportedly Worked

According to information that allegedly emerged during Tiwari's interrogation, candidates were reportedly promised selection in competitive examinations in exchange for substantial payments. The alleged fee structure, as indicated by statements during the investigation, was as follows:

Clearing the preliminary stage of the civil services examination allegedly cost around ₹5 lakh, while the main examination stage was pegged at ₹10 lakh. Final selection was allegedly charged between ₹40 lakh and ₹60 lakh. For Forest Range Officer posts, the alleged amount ranged from ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh, while candidates seeking selection as Assistant Conservator of Forests were allegedly charged between ₹30 lakh and ₹35 lakh, according to information provided during the investigation.

The probe has also reportedly uncovered allegations of technical assistance — including the use of software and remote access — during the Post Graduate Trained (PGT) teacher recruitment examination. The SIT is investigating the alleged technical network, the methods deployed, and the individuals who may have been involved.

Arrests and Officials Under Scrutiny

Tiwari's brother Akshay Tiwari and wife Sushma Kumari have both been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators are questioning them over alleged financial transactions and contacts linked to the examination irregularities.

The CID-SIT is also examining the role of former JPSC chairman L. Khiyangte and other officials and employees associated with the commission. Former JPSC members and JSSC Secretary Sudhir Kumar Gupta have also been questioned as part of the investigation.

During interrogation, Tiwari allegedly claimed that ₹2 crore was paid to the then JPSC chairman in connection with securing the contract for TDPL. The allegation is part of the ongoing investigation and has not been independently established.

Political Pressure and Demand for CBI Probe

Opposition parties and student organisations have repeatedly demanded that the investigation be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arguing that a CBI-led inquiry would carry greater credibility and independence. The state government has not yet indicated whether such a transfer is under consideration.

This comes amid growing public anger over competitive examination integrity across several states, with Jharkhand now joining a pattern of recruitment scams that have drawn national attention. The CID-SIT is continuing to analyse electronic evidence, financial transactions, and statements as it seeks to establish the full extent of the alleged network and identify all those responsible.