The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Jharkhand has intensified its investigation into alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). On Thursday, a CID team conducted searches at the government residence of former JPSC Chairman L. Khyangte located on Kanke Road. The agency also searched the JPSC office and the premises of TDPL, the agency involved in conducting examinations. Several important documents, OMR sheets and digital evidence were reportedly seized during the operation.
According to CID officials, the investigation team searched L. Khyangte’s residence for nearly five hours and questioned him on several aspects related to the case. Khyangte was appointed as JPSC Chairman after retiring from the post of Chief Secretary of Jharkhand. He resigned from the position following CID action earlier this week.
The investigation agency is now examining alleged irregularities in the JPSC 14th Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination (PT) along with other examinations conducted by the commission. The CID has collected records related to recent examinations from the JPSC office. Digital data has also been extracted from computers in the examination controller’s office, while electronic and documentary evidence has been collected from the TDPL office.
A major focus of the investigation is to examine the possible links between the private examination agency and officials associated with the examination process. The CID is investigating the role of TDPL and has collected relevant records and documents from its office as part of the ongoing probe.
The agency is also examining L. Khyangte’s foreign visits and financial activities. According to the CID, Khyangte travelled to the United States three times after becoming JPSC Chairman. These visits took place on March 17, 2025, October 18, 2025, and May 13 this year. Investigators suspect that the expenses related to these foreign trips may have been borne by TDPL. The agency is examining the source of payments, travel expenses and related financial transactions.
Apart from this, the CID is also investigating possible investments made by Khyangte in immovable properties during his tenure as JPSC Chairman. The agency is trying to determine whether there is any discrepancy between his known sources of income and assets acquired during the period.
Five accused persons have already been arrested in connection with the case, including JPSC Deputy Examination Controller Shweta Gupta. Other arrested accused include TDPL Director Ramveer Singh, Marketing Manager Abhay Tiwari, and employees Mohammad Usman and Mohammad Ebad. The CID is preparing to seek their remand for detailed questioning.
The investigation has also raised allegations regarding the removal of two former officials from the post of Deputy Examination Controller and the appointment of Shweta Gupta. It is alleged that she continued to handle responsibilities even after her transfer. The CID is examining these allegations as part of the wider investigation.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand High Court on Thursday heard a petition seeking cancellation of the JPSC 14th PT examination. The court directed the state government and JPSC to file their responses within four weeks. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for September 23.
CID officials said that the investigation is still at an initial stage. Further action will be taken based on the documents seized, digital records, financial transactions and statements recorded during questioning. The agency is trying to determine whether the alleged examination irregularities were limited to a few individuals or were part of a larger network.
