Uttarakhand Police Reports No Organised Gang Involvement in Exam Paper Leak Case

Uttarakhand Police have determined that no organised gangs were involved in the alleged leak of the UKSSSC exam paper. Strong evidence has been collected against identified suspects, while concerns remain over the integrity of the examination process.

Authorities have stated that no organised crime groups are involved in the alleged leak of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam paper. This comes amid criticism from the Congress party towards the state government. The commission's chairman, Ganesh Singh Martolia, acknowledged that three pages of the exam paper were leaked from a centre.

Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh confirmed that images of some exam questions were sent from a centre. The individuals responsible have been identified, and substantial evidence has been gathered against them. Additionally, social activist Bobby Panwar is under suspicion for allegedly sharing screenshots of the paper on social media without verification.

Exam Paper Leak Investigation

Martolia clarified that this incident does not constitute a complete paper leak, but the leakage of three pages is concerning. He mentioned that if these pages were leaked, they might have been taken elsewhere or solved by someone. Despite mobile jammers being installed at all centres, the commission was surprised by the leak.

The commission has requested an investigation by Dehradun SSP and a special task force. An internal inquiry is also underway to determine the source of the leak. On Saturday, police arrested two individuals, Hakam Singh from Uttarkashi and his associate Pankaj Gaur, for allegedly promising to help aspirants pass the exam for Rs 12 to 15 lakh.

Political Reactions and Criticism

Uttarakhand Congress president Karan Mahara criticised the BJP, accusing the Pushkar Singh Dhami government of failing to control the paper leak mafia despite implementing a strict anti-cheating law. "This is another betrayal by the Dhami government for the state's youth, who have been waiting for jobs for years," he stated.

Mahara highlighted that the government had introduced the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination Measures for Prevention and Control of Unfair Means in Recruitment Act, claiming it to be India's toughest anti-cheating law. However, he argued that these claims have proven to be empty.

The Congress party had previously expressed concerns that prominent leaders and high officials might be protected in this case. Mahara alleged that while the mafia remains active in Uttarakhand, the government appears "inactive." He assured that Congress would fight at every level to safeguard youth interests.

The investigation continues as authorities aim to uncover more details about how the exam paper was leaked and ensure accountability for those involved.

With inputs from PTI