Kannur: Kerala Police have uncovered an alleged examination cheating racket involving mobile phones and a secret WhatsApp group during the Kerala Government Certificate in Engineering (KGCE) examination, leading to the arrest of one candidate and the cancellation of the examination. Investigators believe the case may be part of a larger organised examination fraud network rather than an isolated incident. Police are continuing their investigation while searching for an absconding suspect believed to have played a key role in the operation.
According to police, the alleged malpractice came to light after irregularities were reported during the KGCE examination conducted on July 1, 2026, at the Government Polytechnic College in Mattannur. Based on the investigation, Koothuparamba Police arrested S. Janardana (36), a resident of Kurudapadavi in Kasaragod district. He is reported to be working as a temporary employee at the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Vorkady Section Office.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate that the accused received examination answers through a mobile phone while inside the examination hall. Police further alleged that Suresh Babu, a private coaching centre instructor from Vadakara, played a significant role in supplying the correct answers during the examination. He has been absconding since the investigation began, and search operations are underway to locate him.
According to the investigation, several candidates who attended coaching classes conducted by Suresh Babu may have been connected to the alleged network. Police found that he had created a secret WhatsApp group for his students through which correct answers were allegedly shared during the examination. Investigators said the group had around 23 members. Authorities are now examining whether other members of the group also appeared for the examination and whether they benefited from the alleged cheating operation.
Police are conducting a detailed forensic examination of digital evidence, including seized mobile phones, WhatsApp chats, call records, and other electronic data, to determine how the network operated and identify everyone involved. Investigators are also examining whether any other individuals associated with the examination process played a role in facilitating the alleged malpractice.
Following the discovery of the alleged cheating, the examination authority decided to cancel the concerned KGCE examination. Officials stated that maintaining the integrity and credibility of the examination process remains a top priority and that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in organised examination fraud. Police believe that further arrests and additional disclosures may follow after the absconding suspect is apprehended and the digital evidence is fully analysed.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that the misuse of mobile phones, encrypted messaging platforms, and social media groups has become an increasingly serious challenge for examination authorities. He stressed the need for stronger electronic surveillance, mobile jammers, digital forensic investigations, and social media intelligence to detect and prevent organised cheating networks. He also urged examination authorities to strengthen cybersecurity measures and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations.
