The Jharkhand CID, investigating alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations, has begun uncovering financial links connected to the case. According to the investigating agency, a money trail exceeding ₹15 crore has so far emerged in cases related to various examinations, with investigators believing the amount and the number of people linked to these transactions could increase as the probe progresses.
A Financial Thread Connecting Officials and TDPL
According to CID sources, the investigation has also found indications of financial transactions between former JPSC Chairman L. Khiyangte and people associated with the examination-conducting company TDPL. The agency is examining the nature and timing of these transactions and tracing the movement of funds between the accounts involved, with one of the key objectives being to determine whether the alleged irregularities in the examination process were connected to actual financial transactions.
Bank Accounts of Accused Under Scrutiny
CID has examined the bank accounts of Abhay Tiwari, identified by investigators as an alleged mastermind in the examination irregularities, along with his brother Akshay Tiwari, father-in-law Vikas Pandey, and brother-in-law Saurabh Kumar Pandey, among others.
Investigators are examining transactions in these accounts, the people who transferred money, and the possible final beneficiaries of the funds. The agency believes a detailed analysis of banking records, akin to the kind of thorough, methodical review that professional auditing services in India conduct, could reveal financial links between other members of the alleged network and candidates who appeared in the examinations. Investigators are now matching these transactions with other evidence collected during the probe to establish the true nature of the alleged financial network.
What Khiyangte's Interrogation Revealed
During questioning by the CID, former JPSC Chairman L. Khiyangte allegedly acknowledged certain mistakes related to the conduct of the examination. According to investigators, he also acknowledged procedural lapses in awarding work to TDPL and issues related to the broader examination process.
The questioning also focused on alleged irregularities involving candidates' OMR sheets. CID is now examining whether the alleged lapses were limited to administrative failures, or whether they were connected to a broader conspiracy involving financial transactions. Investigators are also examining the role of officials and other individuals who were allegedly involved in the examination process.
Three Accused Questioned on Remand
CID also questioned Umakant Oraon, Manoj Kumar, and Roshan Kerketta, who were allegedly successful candidates and agents connected with the JPSC Preliminary Test, during their remand period.
Investigators questioned them about alleged agents including Abhay Tiwari, Budheshwar Oraon, and Ramesh Kumar, as well as candidates allegedly connected to their network. Their statements are being examined alongside banking and digital evidence collected during the investigation. After completion of the five-day remand period, the three accused were to be sent to judicial custody, with investigators also verifying the names and contacts that emerged during questioning.
A Similar Pattern Seen Earlier in Uttar Pradesh
During the investigation, CID has also brought before the court details relating to earlier allegations involving TDPL in Uttar Pradesh. According to the agency, the company and people associated with it had allegedly been accused of influencing recruitment linked to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, with relatives and associates allegedly benefiting from the process.
CID has alleged that a similar pattern was followed in Jharkhand. Investigators are examining an alleged conspiracy to secure the appointment of Rakshak Singh, described as an accountant associated with TDPL, in JPSC after allegedly helping him qualify the preliminary examination. The probe has also examined allegations that Abhay Tiwari used his position as a marketing manager to allegedly facilitate jobs for relatives through the examination process.
Piecing Together the Full Financial Network
The investigation is now focused on connecting bank accounts, examination records, OMR sheets, and communication links between the accused. Investigators are attempting to establish who allegedly played a role in manipulating examination procedures and who benefited financially from the suspected network.
This emerging money trail is considered a key component of the investigation. CID is examining whether the funds were linked to candidates, agents, examination intermediaries, or other individuals associated with the process. Further scrutiny of financial records and examination-related evidence is expected to reveal additional transactions and potentially expand the scope of this alleged network.
FAQs
Q1. How much money has been traced so far in the JPSC-JSSC exam irregularities case?
CID has traced a money trail exceeding ₹15 crore connected to various examinations, with investigators believing this figure could rise as the probe continues.
Q2. Whose bank accounts are currently under scrutiny in this investigation?
CID has examined the bank accounts of alleged mastermind Abhay Tiwari, his brother Akshay Tiwari, father-in-law Vikas Pandey, and brother-in-law Saurabh Kumar Pandey, among others.
Q3. Has TDPL faced similar allegations elsewhere?
Yes, CID has cited earlier allegations against TDPL in Uttar Pradesh, where the company was accused of influencing recruitment linked to the state Legislative Council, benefiting relatives and associates.