Ranchi: The investigation into alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations has taken a fresh turn after prime accused Abhay Kumar Tiwari reportedly made several serious disclosures before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
According to investigators, Tiwari has alleged that a large number of general-category posts in the 2026 Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) recruitment examination were allegedly manipulated to favour candidates from outside Jharkhand. He reportedly told the CID that candidates were being charged between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh for securing appointments.
Tiwari previously worked as a marketing manager with TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), the outsourcing agency engaged to conduct the examination. Following his statement, the CID has widened its probe and is now examining the possible role of candidates, middlemen, officials and others involved in the recruitment process.
Investigators are trying to establish how many candidates allegedly paid money, who collected or transferred the funds, and whether manipulation took place during the written examination, selection process or interviews.
Tiwari has also reportedly alleged that former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte and former commission member Ajita Bhattacharya were connected with the alleged manipulation of interview boards. These allegations are part of the accused’s statement and are yet to be independently established by the CID.
In one case, Tiwari reportedly identified a candidate only by the surname “Rajak”. He alleged that the candidate’s interview board was headed by then-JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte and claimed that an arrangement was facilitated through a person named Ramveer Singh for Rs 15 lakh.
In another case, involving successful candidate Kajal Bharti, Tiwari allegedly claimed that her interview board was headed by Ajita Bhattacharya and that Rs 10 lakh was paid to her personal assistant.
The statement also reportedly refers to candidates Pramod Kumar Pathak and Kumari Dolly Jaiswal. According to Tiwari, an ITI project manager identified as “Krishna” allegedly worked as a middleman in the cases mentioned in his statement.
The allegations have added another layer to a case that has already led to action against senior officials. Former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte has been arrested in connection with the case and is currently in jail. The CID has also questioned former JPSC member Ajita Bhattacharya.
The investigating agency is now attempting to verify Tiwari’s claims through documentary and digital evidence rather than relying solely on his statement. Investigators are examining suspected financial transactions, bank account movements, call detail records, digital communications and original examination and interview documents.
The CID is also expected to trace the alleged flow of money and identify links between candidates and intermediaries to determine whether the claims point to a wider organised network.
If the allegations are supported by independent evidence, the Jharkhand recruitment scam investigation could widen considerably, with more officials, candidates and middlemen potentially coming under the scanner. The final findings will depend on the evidence collected and its ability to establish the allegations in accordance with law.
With inputs from IANS
