JPSC Recruitment Scam: CID Probe Uncovers Rs 5.8 Crore Cash-For-Marks Allegations

The Jharkhand CID investigation into alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations has uncovered claims of financial deals worth around Rs 5.8 crore and alleged manipulation of interview marks for seven candidates. According to sources, Jharkhand government employee Abhay Kumar Tiwari, a key accused in the case, told investigators that money was collected from candidates seeking government positions. The disclosures have expanded the investigation into alleged irregularities in the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations and the ongoing probe into the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination.

During questioning, Tiwari allegedly told CID investigators that he collected around Rs 5.8 crore from 20 candidates seeking Forest Range Officer (FRO) and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) posts. According to the claims, candidates were allegedly charged between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh for an FRO position, while an ACF post allegedly involved amounts ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh. Tiwari also reportedly admitted to collecting Rs 10 lakh from candidates in connection with the Child Development Project Officer examination.

Investigators are also examining allegations that the interview marks of seven candidates were increased in exchange for money. Sources said Tiwari told the CID that intermediaries helped connect candidates with individuals who could allegedly influence interview boards. Aditya Pandey of Namkum is among those being examined, with investigators looking into alleged contacts involving Khyangte, Ajita Bhattacharya, her personal assistant Brajram, Jamal Ahmed, former JPSC member Anima Hansda and TDPL director Ramveer Singh. Tiwari reportedly came in contact with three candidates who had cleared the examination through an agent identified as Lalu.

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Tiwari has emerged as a significant figure in the investigation because of his extensive experience with competitive examinations. According to the information available to investigators, he cleared 12 competitive examinations over 13 years, including JPSC examinations for Assistant Conservator of Forests, Forest Range Officer and Forest Subordinate Service posts. Investigators suspect that his experience and connections with aspirants may have helped him gain their confidence and facilitate the alleged financial arrangements. The CID is now examining whether money was used to influence both recruitment outcomes and interview scores.

The investigation is also widening to former JPSC officials and other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged manipulation. Former commission member Dr Anima Hansda is scheduled to be questioned by the CID, while Ajita Bhattacharya has already faced questioning. Investigators are examining the alleged role of intermediaries, the selection process and the financial trail behind the suspected deals. The allegations remain under investigation, and the disclosures made during questioning will need to be corroborated by documentary evidence and other investigative findings.

Separately, a special team of Ranchi Police has arrested Arun Sharma in Mumbai in connection with an alleged paper leak in the JSSC Junior Engineer recruitment examination. Sharma has been identified as the operator and director of Binsys, the agency involved in conducting the examination and managing related data, according to the information provided. The CID may seek his remand and could also take over the case registered at Namkum police station. The latest developments have widened the focus of Jharkhand's recruitment examination probes from alleged paper leaks to possible manipulation of interview marks, financial transactions and the role of intermediaries in the selection process.

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