Ranchi- The investigation into alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) is widening, with the CID-Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioning more than 100 candidates so far, officials said.
The candidates are being questioned based on information reportedly gathered during the interrogation of alleged key accused Abhay Tiwari. Investigators are examining the possible involvement of candidates, intermediaries and people associated with examination centres, while also analysing electronic evidence and other information obtained during the probe.
On Tuesday, the investigation team issued notices to around 20 more candidates, asking them to appear for questioning.
Tiwari, who had previously served as a Block Supply Officer in Poreyahat in Godda district, is a key focus of the investigation. Before joining government service, he worked as a marketing manager with TDPL, an outsourcing agency associated with the conduct of examinations.
Investigators are examining Tiwari’s alleged involvement in competitive examinations conducted in previous years, as well as his network of contacts.
Information reportedly obtained during his interrogation has shed light on alleged financial deals in which candidates were promised help in securing selection in competitive examinations. According to the investigation, around Rs 5 lakh was allegedly sought for helping a candidate clear the preliminary stage of the civil services examination. The alleged amount increased to around Rs 10 lakh for the main examination and between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 60 lakh for final selection.
Similarly, candidates allegedly seeking selection as Forest Range Officers were reportedly charged between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh, while the alleged amount for Assistant Conservator of Forest selection ranged from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh.
The investigation has also brought alleged use of technology to facilitate cheating under the scanner. Investigators are examining claims that candidates were provided assistance through software and remote access during the Post Graduate Trained (PGT) teacher recruitment examination. The SIT is trying to establish how the alleged technical network operated and identify the people connected to it.
Tiwari’s brother Akshay Tiwari and wife Sushma Kumari have also been arrested in connection with the case. Their questioning is focused, among other things, on alleged financial transactions and contacts that could provide further leads into the examination-related network.
The CID-SIT is also looking into the possible 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 during the investigation.
During questioning, Tiwari allegedly claimed that Rs 2 crore was paid to the then JPSC chairman to secure the TDPL contract. However, this allegation is part of the ongoing investigation and has not been independently established.
The case has also triggered demands from opposition parties and student organisations for a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. They have repeatedly called for the probe to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Meanwhile, the CID-SIT is continuing to examine electronic records, financial transactions and statements of candidates and other individuals. The investigators are attempting to establish the scale of the alleged examination network, determine how it operated and identify those responsible for any irregularities.
With inputs from IANS