Meerut. A high-tech cheating racket has been exposed during the Tradesman Group C recruitment examination at the 510 Army Base Workshop in the cantonment area, where 19 candidates, including one woman, were arrested for allegedly using Bluetooth devices and mobile phones to receive answers from outside solvers in real time.
Bluetooth Devices Found During Exam Checks
The examination initially appeared to be proceeding normally, but surveillance teams soon noticed suspicious movements by several candidates. Further monitoring and technical checks revealed that some examinees were allegedly using Bluetooth devices and mobile phones concealed inside their clothing.
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During the search operation, authorities recovered mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, SIM cards and other electronic equipment from the candidates. Investigators suspect the devices were activated shortly after the examination began, indicating a planned attempt to communicate with external solvers.
Solver Gang Link Under Investigation
Preliminary findings suggest the incident may be part of a larger organised cheating network rather than an isolated case. Officials suspect possible links to a Haryana-based solver gang believed to be involved in helping candidates cheat in competitive examinations through electronic devices.
During interrogation, some arrested candidates claimed they were not clearly informed about restrictions on mobile phones and alleged that frisking was not properly conducted at the centre. However, investigators found that the devices had been concealed in advance, strengthening suspicion of a coordinated operation.
Identity Fraud Angle Also Emerges
In a related development, Rahul Kumar, a resident of Agra, was also taken into custody. He has been accused of attempting to cheat a person by promising Army recruitment in exchange for ₹12 lakh.
Investigators also found that another individual allegedly attempted to appear in the examination using Rahul Kumar’s identity, while the real Rahul Kumar tried to complete biometric verification using his digital documents. Officials said the case has raised concerns over identity manipulation and organised fraud in the recruitment process.
The seized electronic devices have been sent for forensic analysis to determine how answers were transmitted from outside the examination hall. Authorities are now trying to trace the wider communication network and establish whether the racket was limited to this examination or linked to a larger inter-state operation.
