Ranchi: The Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Monday carried out simultaneous raids at more than 20 locations across the state as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
CID teams conducted searches in Ranchi, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Deoghar, Godda, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh and Palamu districts. The operation also targeted several coaching institutes and premises linked to individuals under investigation, including locations in Ranchi’s Dhurwa and Namkum areas.
According to officials, the raids focused on people and institutions whose names have surfaced during the probe or are suspected to have been connected with the examination process.
During the searches, investigators examined documents, computers, laptops, mobile phones, digital storage devices and other electronic equipment. Several documents and digital records were reportedly seized and will now undergo forensic analysis to aid the ongoing investigation.
Earlier, the CID had searched the offices of the JPSC and the examination-conducting agency TDPL, where officials recovered documents and electronic records related to the conduct of the examination.
So far, 11 people associated with the commission and the examination process have been arrested. Information gathered during their interrogation has prompted investigators to expand the scope of the inquiry.
Former JPSC Chairman and former Jharkhand Chief Secretary L. Khiangte, who has already been questioned multiple times, has once again been summoned by the CID for further interrogation.
Investigators are examining various aspects of the recruitment process, including question paper handling, evaluation procedures and other administrative processes. Officials believe the forensic examination of the seized material could uncover fresh evidence and lead to further action against those involved.
The controversy began after allegations of large-scale irregularities surfaced in the results of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination.
Meanwhile, protests by students have continued in Ranchi, with demonstrators demanding the cancellation of the examination and a fair, impartial investigation into the alleged malpractice.
With inputs from IANS