Jharkhand CID summons three JPSC members in recruitment exam probe

The Jharkhand State Crime Investigation Department (CID) has issued summons to three serving members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) in connection with the alleged irregularities in the state's competitive recruitment examinations. The members have been asked to appear before the investigating agency on August 10, 12, and 14, according to sources familiar with the development.

The three members called for questioning are Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda, and Jamal Ahmed. The CID is probing how TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), the private agency responsible for conducting the examinations, was empanelled and selected despite having been previously blacklisted.

TDPL, based in Lucknow, was blacklisted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) in May 2025 over allegations of irregularities. Despite this, the company continued to conduct examinations for JPSC. Investigators are seeking to understand the grounds on which the firm was chosen and the approval process involved.

So far, the CID has questioned former JPSC chairman L. Khyiangte four times. During these interrogations, it emerged that the three members' signatures were not obtained before releasing the preliminary test results. Khyiangte reportedly clarified that the rules do not require members' signatures for preliminary test results. Investigators now want to ascertain whether the three members agreed with this procedure.

In addition to the summons, the CID is examining the monitoring, administrative functioning, and data security protocols of JPSC. Sources indicate that the former chairman may be summoned for a fifth time after the statements of the three members are cross-verified.

The case has led to multiple arrests. Among those taken into custody are TDPL Director Ramveer Singh, Marketing Manager Abhay Tiwari, Accountant Rakshak Singh, and technical programmers Usman and Ebad. On the JPSC side, Deputy Controller of Examinations Shweta Kumari Gupta, staff member Sonu Kumar, and computer operator Dharmendra Kumar have also been arrested and are being interrogated.

Dharmendra Kumar was questioned for the second consecutive day on August 7, 2026. Investigators are looking into his role, responsibilities, and the specific officials whose email accounts he managed. TDPL accountant Rakshak Singh was also questioned about his contacts with candidates, the alleged tampering with OMR sheets, and financial transactions.

Four candidates who passed the examination fraudulently and three middlemen have also been apprehended. The CID expects that fresh facts may emerge following the interrogation of the three serving JPSC members.

Students and protestors have been demanding the cancellation of the Preliminary Test of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and a comprehensive review of all examinations conducted by private agencies, including TDPL. The protests reflect widespread concern over transparency and fairness in the recruitment process for government positions in the state.