Jharkhand paper leak: State Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) chairman resigns

Amid an ongoing investigation into the leakage of the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination 2023 question paper, Neeraj Sinha, the chairman of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), tendered his resignation on Wednesday, citing personal reasons. In a letter addressed to Jharkhand's chief secretary L Khiyante, Sinha stated that he was stepping down from his position effective immediately.

The examination, administered by an outsourcing agency under the auspices of JSSC, took place on February 28. A Times of India report, citing sources close to Sinha, said that Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission chairperson had been contemplating resignation for some time, although he clarified that his decision was unrelated to the question paper leak.

It is noteworthy that a special investigation team has been established by the police to look into the matter. Thus far, three individuals, including Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha under secretary Mohammad Shamim and his two sons, have been apprehended in connection with the case.

Jharkhand paper leak - More arrests likely soon

A senior police officer of Jharkhand told TOI that additional arrests are likely to be made soon in the ongoing investigation. He mentioned that numerous individuals were implicated in the wrongdoing and efforts are underway to track them down through various means.

The government-established Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination 2023 question paper leak arrested Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha under secretary Mohammad Shamim and his two sons earlier this month. The Enforcement Directorate is also investigating but has yet to file a case. Conducted by the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) through an outsourcing agency on February 28, the exam's general studies paper was later found to be leaked. JSSC cancelled the paper, filing an FIR at Namkum police station. Under Chief Minister Champai Soren's direction, SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha formed a five-member SIT, led by DSP Sanjeev Besra, which conducted raids, resulting in Shamim and his sons' arrest. Blank cheques and admit cards of numerous candidates were seized. Sinha mentioned several others detained for questioning. The opposition BJP seeks a CBI inquiry. (With TOI inputs)