Jharkhand Recruitment Scam: Arrested Manager Names Officials, Alleges Fixed Interviews

The investigation into alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) recruitment exams has taken a significant turn with an arrested accused providing detailed statements to the state's Crime Investigation Department (CID). The accused, Abhay Tiwari, who worked as the Marketing Manager for TDPL, the agency that conducted the exams, has reportedly named several high-ranking officials in his testimony.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, Tiwari has alleged that TDPL Director Ramvir Singh, former JPSC Chairman L Khiangte, and Commission members Dr Ajita Bhattacharya, Dr Jamal Ahmed, and Dr Anima Hasda were involved in a network that helped candidates secure jobs through monetary payments. He also named an agent, Aditya Pandey, who allegedly connected aspirants to Singh, who then coordinated with Commission members to manipulate interview scores.

Tiwari's statement, which has been shared with the CID, claims that candidates were charged varying amounts at different stages of the recruitment process. He said that arranging an interview with a preferred board could cost up to Rs 15 lakh, and the cumulative payments for selection in the 12th and 13th JPSC exams could reach between Rs 60 and 70 lakh.

The arrested manager also identified three officers who allegedly benefited from the racket: Police Superintendent Robin Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police Shailesh Singh, and Deputy Jailer Rajesh Kumar Rajak. Tiwari said a Koderma-based agent, Lalu Yadav, brought these candidates to him, and their interviews were fixed with the board headed by Dr Ajita Bhattacharya, with the help of TDPL's Ramvir Singh.

In addition to Commission and TDPL officials, Tiwari's statement mentions Exam Controller Shweta Gupta and Patanjali Coaching operator Ravi Kumar as participants in the alleged scheme. He detailed a method where a candidate's identification code was decoded a day before the interview, allowing them to be directed to a specific board that would award higher marks.

The CID has been probing the matter for weeks, and at least 20 people have been arrested so far. The investigation comes amid ongoing protests by students in Ranchi, who have demanded the cancellation of the recent JPSC exam over allegations of irregularities. The CID has not yet commented on Tiwari's claims publicly, and the named individuals have not issued statements.

This development highlights the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into recruitment processes that affect thousands of young aspirants. The CID is expected to examine Tiwari's statements, including the alleged routes for money transfers. Tiwari reportedly told investigators that payments for Dr Bhattacharya were delivered to her personal assistant, Brijram, while payments for former Chairman Khiangte were handled through a person named Dharmendra.

As the investigation continues, authorities face the challenge of verifying these allegations and ensuring due process for all involved. The case has raised broader questions about the integrity of public service examinations in the state, and the CID's findings will be crucial in restoring public confidence in the system.