Exam paper leaks: ED to probe illicit funds across Rajasthan, Bihar, 3 more states
The Enforcement Directorate is set to widen its money laundering investigations into examination paper leak cases across several states, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka and
The Enforcement Directorate is set to widen its money laundering investigations into examination paper leak cases across several states, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka and Maharashtra, officials said. The agency is in the process of registering cases linked to paper leak offences involving examinations ranging from university entrance tests to government recruitment exams. Several of these cases have triggered protests by students and job aspirants. Read Full Story The ED is also expected to register a money laundering case in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. The CBI has already filed its first chargesheet in the matter against 13 accused, all of whom are currently in judicial custody.
As part of the wider probe, the ED is seeking FIRs, case records and other documents from state police agencies in cases where examination leaks are suspected to have generated illicit financial gains. The agency will focus on tracing the alleged proceeds of crime generated through such offences and identifying how the money was subsequently channelled or invested to make it appear legitimate. The Centre has asked the ED to examine several major examination paper leak cases reported across states. JHARKHAND RECRUITMENT CASE UNDER ED LENS In Jharkhand, the agency has launched a money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in multiple recruitment examinations, particularly the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination.
The ED took cognisance of a state CID FIR, along with other complaints and chargesheets, to initiate the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The development comes amid a prolonged agitation by students demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities, comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC, and cancellation of several recruitment examinations. The Jharkhand CID on Monday arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte in connection with the case. The agency had questioned him four times since July 28 and raided 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribag, Bokaro and Dhanbad. The CID had earlier arrested 14 people in the probe.
The JPSC also postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination scheduled for July 25-27, citing "unavoidable circumstances". All three JPSC members – Ajeeta Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad – resigned on Sunday after being summoned by the CID for questioning over alleged irregularities, including paper leaks. The ED is now expected to gather evidence, summon people linked to the cases and examine whether assets acquired through alleged proceeds of crime can be attached. Ends
The BriefWire