The initiation of the investigation into the paper leak of the police constable recruitment exam in Uttar Pradesh, which had been annulled by the state government earlier that day, marks a significant development as the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has taken charge of the matter. Embarking on this probe, the STF has begun the meticulous process of gathering digital evidence about the leak, utilizing multiple teams to delve into the intricacies of the case.
Among those from whom evidence has been collected is Vivek Kumar, a teacher associated with Exampur, a startup specializing in preparing candidates for government examinations. Kumar played a pivotal role by promptly alerting the authorities about the paper leak, thereby initiating the chain of events leading to the cancellation of the examination.
The magnitude of the situation is evident from the staggering number of candidates involved, with over 48 lakh individuals participating in the examination held across the state on February 17 and 18.
The decision to cancel the examination was announced by the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, emphasizing the government's commitment to upholding the integrity and transparency of the recruitment process. Directives have been issued to the recruitment board to file FIRs against those found negligent and to collaborate fully with the STF's investigation. The government has reiterated its resolve to mete out the strictest possible punishment to both individuals and organizations found culpable in this egregious breach.
Furthermore, in a proactive move to address the fallout from the cancellation, the government has announced plans for a re-examination to be conducted within six months. Additionally, to facilitate the process for candidates, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will provide free transportation to examination centers.
Expressing his firm stance on the matter, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of examinations, unequivocally declaring that those responsible for compromising the hard work of aspirants will face severe repercussions.
In the wake of the scandal, the Uttar Pradesh police have been swift in their actions, with a total of 244 individuals either arrested or detained across the state within a span of three days, starting from February 15 until 6 pm on February 18. These arrests and detentions signify the authorities' commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in the face of such misconduct.
