The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched searches at 12 locations in Gujarat and Maharashtra as part of an investigation into the leakage of question and answer papers for a railway recruitment examination. Raids were carried out in Surat, Amreli, Navsari, Mumbai, Buxar, and other locations, leading to the discovery of digital evidence and incriminating documents.
The case was registered by Western Railway against certain railway officials and individuals from a Mumbai-based private company. The alleged misconduct involved the leaking of question and answer papers for the General Departmental Competitive Examination (GDCE), specifically for the post of Non-Technical Popular Categories (Non-Graduate) Jr Clerk Cum Typist and Trains Clerk.
The computer-based test took place on January 1, 2021, with 8,603 candidates appearing in 28 examination centers across cities including Ahmedabad, Indore, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and Mumbai. According to the allegations, some candidates received the paper through WhatsApp messages, while others were physically shown the question papers through mass gatherings. The investigation also pointed to the involvement of a firm appointed as the Examination Conducting Agency.
The investigation revealed that candidates were provided with question papers and answers in advance by making payments. Additionally, after the examination, candidates allegedly received their results through an unverified WhatsApp link.
The CBI is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. The agency aims to gather substantial evidence and thoroughly examine the involvement of railway officials and individuals associated with the Mumbai-based private company. The raids conducted at various locations have yielded digital evidence and incriminating documents that will aid in unraveling the extent of this paper leak scandal.
The CBI’s actions come as a significant step in detecting and addressing corruption within the railway recruitment system. By taking strict measures against those involved, the CBI hopes to restore public trust and maintain the integrity of the examination process.
The investigation is still ongoing, and further updates will likely follow as the CBI gets closer to bringing those responsible for the paper leak to justice.