Avadi centre probe finds impersonation, concealed earpieces in Agniveer Vayu test
CHENNAI: Four men from Haryana’s Jind district were arrested after alleged malpractice during the Agniveer Vayu written recruitment examination held on August 2 at the Air Force station in Avadi, police and examination officials said.
According to a report in the Times of India, the accused were identified as Gaurav and Sawan (both residents of Thua village, Uchana Kalan), Anil (Jind district) and Deepak Kumar (resident of Ramna Patti in Alewa). The four are alleged to have appeared for other candidates and, in two cases, used concealed electronic devices to receive answers during the test.
The Agniveer recruitment exam, conducted under the Indian Air Force’s Agniveer scheme for posts including lower division clerk (LDC) and civilian mechanical transport driver, was held at the Avadi station where around 1,800 candidates from across the country had appeared despite there being only four posts to be filled at the centre.
Investigators said the malpractice was discovered during routine multi-level verification of hall tickets and admit cards. An invigilator conducting a second-level verification inside the examination hall noticed a mismatch between the photograph on a candidate’s admit card and the person taking the test, leading to scrutiny of the individual.
"On closer verification the person was identified as 21-year-old R. Gaurav appearing in place of S. Aman Kumar," the report said.
Gaurav was taken into custody and brought to the room where he and his associates were staying. A subsequent search and questioning led to the identification and detention of the three others. Officials said two of the accused, Sawan and Deepak, were found with extremely small SIM-enabled GSM earpieces, measuring less than one centimetre, which had been concealed inside their ears.
- Discovery: Mismatch detected during second-level verification inside examination hall.
- Method: Impersonation and use of concealed GSM earpieces to receive answers.
- Scale: Around 1,800 candidates at the Avadi centre for four posts.
The arrested suspects were reportedly appearing for other candidates: Gaurav allegedly for S. Aman Kumar; Anil allegedly for Sunil. Sawan and Deepak were apprehended with the miniature wireless devices designed to receive audio signals, officials said.
| Accused | Village / District | Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Gaurav | Thua village, Uchana Kalan (Jind) | Impersonation (appearing as S. Aman Kumar) |
| Sawan | Thua village, Uchana Kalan (Jind) | Using concealed SIM-enabled earpiece |
| Anil | Jind district | Impersonation (appearing as Sunil) |
| Deepak Kumar | Ramna Patti, Alewa (Jind) | Using concealed SIM-enabled earpiece |
Officials said the wireless devices recovered were reportedly designed to receive answers transmitted over a network. The discovery followed routine verification and prompted immediate detention and searches at the accommodation where the accused were staying.
The incident adds to concerns about security at competitive recruitment examinations, particularly when large numbers of candidates congregate at single centres. The Indian Air Force and local law enforcement are understood to be investigating the matter further; the report did not provide details of any formal charges filed or whether additional arrests were anticipated.
Authorities conducting recruitment drives have in recent years tightened identification and venue protocols, including multi-level checks and biometric verification at many centres. The Avadi case underscores challenges when impersonation and concealed communication devices are involved.
The Times of India report is the basis for these details.
