Ranchi: The investigation into alleged irregularities in various examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has widened, with more than 400 candidates and several academics allegedly linked to solver networks operating through Punjab and Haryana coming under the CID’s scrutiny. Investigators are examining statements of accused persons to determine how many candidates may have benefited from alleged manipulation and which examinations were affected.
According to the alleged confession of CID-arrested accused Abhay Tiwari, irregularities were carried out at several stages of the examination process. He reportedly told investigators that candidates appearing for the FRO mains examination had answers written for them by people brought from Punjab and Haryana. The alleged answer-writing exercise was conducted at an apartment in Hariom Tower belonging to Sanand Prakash, who was working on a contractual basis in a government department.
Investigators are now examining the claim by checking relevant people, locations, examination records and other available evidence. The alleged involvement of outsiders in writing examination answers has raised concerns about the extent to which organised networks may have been used to manipulate competitive examinations.
The investigation has also uncovered allegations that professors involved in evaluating answer scripts were allegedly influenced to increase the marks of selected candidates. According to statements attributed to the accused, large numbers of candidates were allegedly helped to clear the ACF, FRO, 14th JPSC Civil Services and JPSC backlog examinations in return for substantial payments. The allegations, if established, could raise serious questions about the integrity of the recruitment and evaluation process.
Allegations of irregularities with the knowledge of Shweta Gupta
Ramveer Singh, a director of TDPL, has reportedly alleged that several irregularities connected with JPSC examinations were carried out with the knowledge of Shweta Gupta, the commission’s then deputy examination controller. The allegations are part of the investigation and have not been independently established.
The probe has also focused on the processing of OMR sheets and publication of examination results. According to the allegations, Pradeep Kumar Singh was responsible for the technical aspects of OMR processing and result publication and was allegedly involved in manipulating candidates’ OMR sheets. Two employees identified as Hemant and Sanjay have also been named in statements in connection with alleged alterations to OMR sheets.
Investigators have further been told that Pradeep Kumar Singh allegedly received 20% of the money collected from candidates whose OMR sheets were manipulated. Abhay Tiwari is also alleged to have remained in regular contact with Shweta Gupta while handling communication and coordination with candidates. The investigation reportedly includes a payment of ₹40 lakh allegedly made by Abhay.
Claims involving CDPO and 14th JPSC examinations
According to Abhay Tiwari’s alleged statement, several candidates from outside Jharkhand were selected against general-category seats in the CDPO examination. He reportedly referred to an IAS officer and claimed that TDPL directors Satpal Singh and Ramveer Singh had told him that three of their candidates had been helped to clear the preliminary examination of the 14th JPSC Civil Services examination. Abhay, however, reportedly said he did not know the names of those candidates.
Ramveer Singh’s alleged statement also contains claims concerning the answer key for the preliminary examinations for ACF and the 14th Civil Services examination. According to the statement, the answer key was allegedly shared through WhatsApp before evaluation of the answer sheets among TDPL employee Usman, Pradeep Kumar Singh and Shweta Gupta. The allegation is that the information was intended to facilitate subsequent manipulation of OMR and OSM records.
The CID is now comparing the statements of the accused with examination records, OMR sheets, digital evidence and financial transaction details. Investigators are also examining the identities of the more than 400 candidates who may have benefited from the alleged irregularities and determining whether they knowingly participated in the scheme or were misled by intermediaries.
The investigation is expected to establish the extent of the alleged network, the role of individuals associated with the examination process and the number of candidates who may have received unlawful assistance. Any further action will depend on the evidence gathered and verification of the allegations made during the investigation.
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.
