Chhattisgarh Government Cancels Police Constable Recruitment in Rajnandgaon Amid Fraud Allegations

The Chhattisgarh government has halted the recruitment of police constables in Rajnandgaon district due to allegations of misconduct. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe these claims, according to an official statement. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who oversees the Home department, issued this directive.

Since November 16, candidates from Rajnandgaon and nearby districts have been involved in the recruitment process. Allegations of irregularities surfaced during the ongoing recruitment for the 8th Battalion in Rajnandgaon. A case was filed at Lalbagh police station on December 17, as per the official report.

Investigation and Arrests

The police have arrested seven individuals linked to the alleged irregularities. Among them are four police constables, two event management company employees, and a female candidate. The investigation revealed tampering with candidates' scores in the physical efficiency test.

During the investigation, police constable Anil Ratnakar reportedly took his own life. A note found on his left palm claimed that employees were being blamed while officers were shielded. Inspector General of Police Deepak Jha has tasked an SIT with investigating Ratnakar's death, demanding a report within ten days.

Political Reactions and Further Actions

Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg has transferred the investigation of recruitment irregularities to City Superintendent Pushpendra Nayak. However, Garg mentioned that no official order to cancel the recruitment exam for District Police Force Constable Cadre Selection 2023-24 has been received yet.

Former Chief Minister Raman Singh praised the decision to cancel the recruitment process. "Today, on Good Governance Day, under Chief Minister Shri Vishnu D. Sai's leadership, Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma made a commendable decision," Singh stated on X.

Opposition's Stance

The opposition Congress party has criticised the BJP-led state government over these irregularities. State Congress President Deepak Baij and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had previously called for cancelling the recruitment process and taking action against those responsible.

The official noted that internal investigations by Rajnandgaon Police uncovered tampering with candidates' marks during physical tests. This led to an FIR being lodged at Lal Bagh police station.

Constable Anil Ratnakar's body was discovered hanging in Rampur village on December 21. His note accused officers involved in the recruitment process of implicating employees unfairly.

The Chief Minister has ordered an SIT for a fair investigation into these allegations. "No negligence or corruption will be tolerated in this government," he asserted.