In a significant breakthrough, the Cyber Crime Police of Chandigarh have arrested two individuals for their alleged involvement in an organised cyber racket linked to irregularities in online government examinations, including the recruitment test of the Indian Coast Guard. The arrests come as part of an ongoing probe into suspected manipulation of the online examination process.
According to police officials, the action stems from FIR No. 56 registered in 2022 at the Sector 34 police station under Sections 409, 420, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. Investigators said the fresh arrests have provided new leads in what appears to be a coordinated network exploiting vulnerabilities in the digital examination system.
The accused have been identified as Pawan Kumar (39), a resident of Kaithal in Haryana, and another individual named Pawan, also from Kaithal district. During preliminary interrogation, investigators found indications that the duo was allegedly connected to a larger network that facilitated technical interference in online exams and extended undue advantage to select candidates.
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The case originated from a complaint filed by the head of administration of a private school, who reported suspicious activities during the conduct of the Coast Guard examination and other online tests. The responsibility for conducting the examination had reportedly been outsourced to a private firm operating from Sector 34/A in Chandigarh.
Seized Evidence Under Forensic Lens: Servers, CCTV, and Digital Logs
During the investigation, police teams collected server logs, CCTV footage, hard disks of computer systems, and network traffic data from the examination centre. Digital records from the outsourcing agency were also seized. Technical teams are currently analysing the data to determine the extent and nature of the alleged tampering.
Preliminary findings suggest unusual similarities in login timings, answer submission patterns, and system access behaviour among certain candidates. Cyber forensic experts are examining whether remote access tools or unauthorised digital interventions were used to manipulate the examination process in real time.
Given the sensitivity of the Coast Guard recruitment exam, authorities have intensified digital forensic efforts. Cloning of seized electronic devices is underway to enable detailed data recovery and examination without altering original evidence. Investigators are also probing whether the suspected network has links to examination centres or recruitment tests conducted in other states.
Modus Operandi Exposed: Remote Tampering in Outsourced Online Tests
Officials indicated that the modus operandi may have involved exploiting software-level loopholes or internal access within the outsourced examination management system. However, police have refrained from sharing detailed technical findings at this stage, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Broader Implications: Cybersecurity Gaps in Government Recruitment Exams
The arrests have once again drawn attention to the growing cybersecurity challenges in online recruitment examinations. Experts point out that as government bodies increasingly rely on digital platforms for large-scale testing, robust security protocols, real-time monitoring systems, and strict background verification of third-party vendors become critical.
Police officials confirmed that further questioning of the accused is in progress and additional arrests may follow if more individuals are found linked to the racket. Coordination with agencies in other states is also being considered, should evidence point towards a wider inter-state operation.
Both accused have been produced before a local court, and further legal proceedings are underway. As investigators continue to unravel the layers of the alleged cyber manipulation, the case has raised fresh concerns over transparency, accountability, and digital security in high-stakes government recruitment examinations.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
