The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested former chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), L. Khyangte, in connection with alleged irregularities and bribery involving several examinations conducted by the commission. A CID team reached his government residence on Kanke Road at around 2 p.m. on Monday and took him into custody after questioning. He was subsequently brought to the CID office and produced before a special judge later in the evening. The court sent him to judicial custody.
The action comes as the CID investigates alleged financial irregularities in the JPSC examination process, the allocation of work to examination service providers and suspected bribery. Khyangte’s role came under scrutiny after investigators allegedly uncovered details of a financial arrangement linked to the awarding of work to TDPL.
Alleged ₹2 crore deal for awarding work
According to allegations emerging during the investigation, a deal worth ₹2 crore was allegedly negotiated with the then JPSC chairman to facilitate the award of work to TDPL. It was also allegedly agreed that the chairman would receive a 20% commission from payments made to the company for various assignments.
The CID is now investigating how much money was actually paid under the alleged arrangement, through which channels the payments were made and which individuals were involved in transferring the funds. Investigators are examining financial transactions, bank accounts and digital communications allegedly linked to the suspected payments.
Dharmendra allegedly acted as a key link
Dharmendra Kumar, who worked at Khyangte’s government residence, is considered an important link in the alleged transaction. The CID also questioned Dharmendra on remand on Monday. According to investigators, he allegedly admitted during questioning that he collected money on behalf of Khyangte.
Investigators are trying to determine whom Dharmendra contacted, how much money he allegedly collected and how the funds were subsequently transferred.
Dharmendra’s name had also surfaced earlier in the alleged confession of Abhay Tiwari, who is being investigated in connection with irregularities in the JPSC examination process. Tiwari had allegedly stated that Dharmendra helped TDPL secure several assignments within JPSC. His alleged statement has made Dharmendra’s role a significant focus of the investigation.
TDPL accountant also questioned
The CID also questioned Rakesh Singh, an accountant associated with examination service provider TDPL, on remand on Monday. Investigators are examining the company’s alleged role in the suspected bribery arrangement and its payment records.
Rakesh Singh was questioned about the company’s accounts, payments, contracts and assignments received from JPSC. Investigators are also examining whether any alleged commission payments were recorded in the company’s accounts or transferred through other channels.
Face-to-face questioning at CID office
After his arrest, Khyangte was taken to the CID office, where he was reportedly questioned at length while being seated alongside Dharmendra Kumar. Investigators questioned both men about the alleged financial arrangement, the awarding of work to TDPL and the collection of money.
The CID is comparing the statements of different accused and suspects with documentary and financial evidence. A key focus is to establish whether the alleged financial transactions were connected to irregularities in the JPSC examination process.
Khyangte’s arrest has widened the scope of the investigation. The CID is now examining the alleged ₹2 crore arrangement, the 20% commission and the broader network involved in the suspected collection and movement of funds. Further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation and the judicial proceedings.
