Jharkhand News: CBI Files Charge Sheet in JPSC Scam After 12 Years, 70 Accused Named

CBI Takes Action in High-Profile JPSC Recruitment Scam

Ranchi, November 27, 2024: In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against 70 individuals involved in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) recruitment scam. This action comes 12 years after investigations began into the irregularities surrounding the second civil services examination conducted by JPSC.

The accused include former JPSC chairperson Dilip Prasad and several candidates who allegedly benefitted from tampering and grade manipulation. The charge sheet has been submitted to a special court in Ranchi, highlighting widespread malpractice in the recruitment process.

Key Findings from the Investigation

Tampering and Manipulation in Examination Results

The CBI’s investigation uncovered large-scale tampering in the civil services examination conducted by JPSC. Evidence revealed that marks were deliberately increased for certain candidates. Some answer sheets were found to have been altered, with scores artificially inflated to favor specific individuals.

Forensic analysis conducted at a Gujarat-based laboratory confirmed these irregularities. The report also exposed manipulation in interview scores, further undermining the integrity of the selection process.

Timeline of Irregularities

The recruitment scam initially came to light over a decade ago, prompting the High Court to intervene in 2012. Dissatisfied with the slow pace of the Vigilance Bureau’s inquiry, the court handed over the investigation to the CBI. Since then, the CBI has scrutinized all 16 recruitment examinations conducted by JPSC post-Jharkhand’s statehood.

Expanded Scope of Accusations

From 32 to 70 Accused Individuals

Initially, the case involved 32 accused individuals. However, as the investigation progressed, additional names surfaced, expanding the list of accused to 70. The latest charge sheet includes former officials and candidates who allegedly colluded in the malpractices.

Pending Court Approval

The special CBI court has yet to take cognizance of the charge sheet due to pending government clearances required to prosecute certain officials. So far, only a few permissions have been granted, delaying further proceedings.

Why the Case Was Transferred to CBI

In June 2012, the Jharkhand High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Vigilance Bureau’s slow pace of investigation. To ensure accountability, the court transferred the case to the CBI. Since taking over, the CBI has focused on unraveling the deep-rooted corruption in the recruitment process, culminating in the current charge sheet.

Hearing Scheduled for November 28

The special court is set to hear the matter on November 28, 2024. The delay in acknowledging the charge sheet has been attributed to the time required for obtaining mandatory governmental sanctions against certain accused officials.

With this development, the spotlight remains on the judicial process as the accused await trial for their alleged roles in the scam.

This report reflects the ongoing efforts to address systemic corruption and restore trust in recruitment examinations. The case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in public service processes.