Punjab Police has uncovered an inter-state cheating racket that allegedly operated during the Pharmacy Officer Recruitment Examination held on Sunday,
detaining 35 people, including seven alleged masterminds and 28 candidates. Officials said sophisticated electronic devices and real-time communication methods were used to help candidates attempt the examination, reports PTI. According to the police, 27 battery-operated wireless micro-devices used in the operation have been seized. The examination was conducted at centres in Faridkot and Ferozepur. The investigation revealed that a candidate identified as Ayush, who appeared for the examination in Ferozepur, allegedly used a concealed pen camera to capture images of the question paper. The images were reportedly sent through WhatsApp to an accomplice, Sajan, based in Bhiwani, Haryana. Police said Sajan forwarded the question paper to another operative, Deepak, who was stationed at a makeshift control room set up inside a residence in Society Nagar, Faridkot. From there, Deepak and another accused, Manjit Singh, allegedly dictated answers in real time to candidates inside examination halls using wireless communication devices. Mastermind Identified, No Evidence of Paper Leak So Far Punjab Police said preliminary findings have identified Gurmeet Singh, an employee of Sant Kabir Polytechnic College in Fazilka, as the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Investigators claim the racket charged candidates between Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 13 lakh in exchange for guaranteeing passing marks. Several candidates had allegedly provided post-dated cheques as financial security to those running the racket. Officials described the operation as highly organised. On the morning of the examination, members of the network allegedly assembled at a hotel located on the Faridkot-Kotkapura Road to distribute specialised battery-operated wireless devices to candidates. Police have detained 28 candidates from Faridkot and Ferozepur in connection with the case. Seven alleged operators of the racket from Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan have also been taken into custody, while raids are underway to apprehend other individuals believed to be involved. Investigators have clarified that no evidence of a question paper leak or involvement of examination officials has emerged so far. The alleged breach occurred after the examination had begun and involved real-time transmission of answers. An FIR is being registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Further investigation is underway. (With inputs from PTI.)
