Ranchi, The Criminal Investigation Department–Special Investigation Team (CID-SIT) probing alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) has so far questioned more than 100 candidates, officials said.
Investigators issued about 20 more notices on Tuesday asking additional candidates to appear for questioning as the inquiry expands, according to information emerging from the ongoing probe. The questioning has been carried out on the basis of material obtained during interrogation of the alleged key accused, Abhay Tiwari.
Allegations, evidence and the accused
The CID-SIT is examining the possible involvement of candidates, intermediaries and individuals linked to examination centres, the officials said. Investigators are relying on electronic evidence and statements recorded from the accused to map networks and transactions allegedly associated with the examinations.
Tiwari is reported to have served as a Block Supply Officer in Poreyahat in Godda district and previously worked as a marketing manager with TDPL, an outsourcing agency implicated in the conduct of examinations. Authorities are scrutinising his alleged role in several competitive examinations over previous years and tracing his network of contacts.
Alleged money trail
Material that reportedly emerged during Tiwari’s interrogation includes details of alleged payments promised to secure selection in competitive exams. The statements cited by investigators set out purported payment amounts for different stages and categories of selection.
- Preliminary stage of civil services: alleged payment of ₹5 lakh
- Main civil services examination: alleged payment of ₹10 lakh
- Final selection for civil services: alleged payment between ₹40 lakh and ₹60 lakh
- Selection as a Forest Range Officer: alleged payment between ₹20 lakh and ₹25 lakh
Investigators have not formally charged candidates on the basis of these notices; the process currently centres on gathering statements and corroborating electronic leads. All figures and descriptions of payments are being treated as allegations in the ongoing probe.
| Selection stage | Alleged amount |
|---|---|
| Preliminary (civil services) | ₹5 lakh |
| Main (civil services) | ₹10 lakh |
| Final selection (civil services) | ₹40–₹60 lakh |
| Forest Range Officer | ₹20–₹25 lakh |
Scope and next steps
The CID-SIT is examining the extent to which intermediaries and individuals associated with examination centres may have facilitated alleged irregularities. Officials said electronic evidence is being analysed to establish transactional links and confirm whether promises made to candidates were fulfilled.
Investigators have expanded the list of persons to be questioned and are expected to continue tracing financial trails and communications tied to the accused. No charges or arrests were confirmed in the material provided to investigators at the time of reporting.
Impact on candidates and recruitment process
The widening probe is likely to affect numerous aspirants whose names appear in notices; it also raises questions about oversight mechanisms where private agencies are engaged for examination logistics. Authorities have not announced any immediate suspension of recruitment processes by either JPSC or JSSC pending completion of the inquiry.
The CID-SIT has not provided a public timetable for conclusion of the investigation. Officials said further action, including additional summons or possible FIRs, will follow as evidence is verified.
All allegations cited in this report are based on statements and material reportedly obtained by investigators during the ongoing probe and remain subject to corroboration and legal process.
