Ranchi. The investigation into alleged irregularities in the 14th preliminary examination (PT) of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has taken a significant turn, with the CID interrogation reportedly bringing out fresh details of an alleged network that promised candidates success in exchange for money. Umesh Kumar, a hotel businessman and former business partner of Abhay Tiwari, has allegedly told investigators that 11 candidates cleared the 14th JPSC PT after paying large sums of money. According to his alleged statement, he was paid ₹5 lakh per candidate as part of the arrangement.
According to the statement attributed to Umesh, he had previously worked with Abhay Tiwari and Abhay’s brother-in-law Saurabh Tiwari in an alleged operation to help candidates clear various examinations by arranging favourable outcomes in exchange for money. He reportedly said that initially he was given money only to cover expenses, but later a fixed payment of ₹5 lakh per candidate was allegedly decided.
Conversation over 14th JPSC PT allegedly took place in January
During CID questioning, Umesh allegedly stated that Abhay Tiwari informed him in January 2026 about an alleged arrangement for the selection of certain candidates in the 14th JPSC examination. According to the alleged statement, candidates were to be selected through contacts and payments rather than solely through the regular examination process.
Umesh allegedly said he was instructed to collect money and candidates’ certificates from agents and hand them over to Abhay. The subsequent process was reportedly to be handled in coordination with an agency.
He further allegedly claimed that 11 candidates had paid substantial amounts to clear the 14th JPSC PT. The claim could be significant for investigators because earlier questioning in the case had reportedly produced allegations that money was collected from candidates and that a large number of candidates were helped to clear the PT. However, earlier statements had not clearly identified the candidates by name and roll number.
₹1 crore for general category, ₹80 lakh for SC-ST candidates
Alleged statements recorded during the investigation indicate that different amounts were supposedly demanded depending on the candidate’s category. General-category candidates were allegedly charged as much as ₹1 crore for securing success in the JPSC examination, while SC-ST candidates were allegedly asked to pay up to ₹80 lakh.
Another claim emerging from the interrogation is that candidates seeking only clearance of the preliminary examination were allegedly required to submit their original certificates and pay an additional ₹10 lakh.
These allegations are yet to be independently established through documentary and financial evidence. Investigators are expected to verify the claims by examining examination records, candidate documents, financial transactions and other evidence.
Abhay himself allegedly cleared examinations through fixing
Umesh also allegedly told investigators that Abhay Tiwari himself had cleared various examinations through alleged fixing arrangements. He reportedly claimed that Abhay had access to JPSC and TDPL.
The CID is now examining these allegations independently and attempting to determine the extent of the alleged network. Investigators are also looking into whether any intermediary, employee or other person connected with the examination process allegedly facilitated the operation.
Earlier claim of helping around 100 candidates clear PT
During the investigation into the JPSC case, earlier statements attributed to several accused persons had reportedly mentioned collecting money from candidates and helping around 100 candidates clear the PT. However, those statements did not provide a definitive list identifying how many candidates had actually paid money, along with their names and roll numbers.
The alleged identification of 11 candidates in Umesh’s statement could therefore provide investigators with specific leads to verify. The CID may compare the claims with examination results, application records, candidate documents and other available evidence.
Agents, bank accounts and digital evidence under scrutiny
Investigators are also examining the alleged financial chain. They are seeking to establish who allegedly collected money from candidates, how the payments were made, who ultimately received the funds and where candidates’ original certificates were deposited.
Bank accounts linked to the alleged transactions, mobile phones, digital conversations and other electronic evidence may also be examined. The investigation will seek to determine whether money was transferred directly to the alleged beneficiaries or routed through intermediaries and multiple accounts.
CID examining whether network extended beyond 14th PT
The investigation is also likely to determine whether the alleged fixing network was limited to the 14th JPSC PT or had operated during earlier examinations as well. Umesh’s alleged reference to previous examinations could potentially widen the scope of the probe.
The key challenge for investigators now is to corroborate the statements with independent evidence. If examination records, financial transactions, digital evidence and statements establish consistent links, the alleged roles of other members of the network, intermediaries and candidates who may have paid money could come under further scrutiny.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
