Synopsis
Jharkhand Police have detained Prashant Kumar Sao, a school-coaching operator, due to his involvement in the leak of Hindi and Science papers from the 10th Board exams. Investigations reveal connections to a student, Prince Rana, who allegedly disseminated the papers through a WhatsApp group.Key Takeaways
- Prashant Kumar Sao arrested for paper leak.
- Two students detained in connection.
- Leaked papers sold via WhatsApp group.
- Examination papers matched with online leaks.
- New exam dates to be announced soon.
Ranchi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Jharkhand Police apprehended Prashant Kumar Sao, a school-coaching operator hailing from Markacho in Koderma district, for his involvement in the leak of the Hindi and Science papers pertaining to Jharkhand's 10th Board exams. Notably, Prashant is the offspring of local BJP leader Prakash Saha.
Additionally, two students have been taken into custody in connection with this incident.
Prashant, who manages a private school and coaching center in Jamu, within the Markacho block, is presently undergoing police interrogation.
During the inquiry, Prashant disclosed that the leaked papers were supplied by a student identified as Prince Rana, a resident of Markacho. Prince, who faces hearing and speech challenges, was scheduled to take the examination this year.
At the time of the investigation, it was reported that Prince was in Bengaluru with his parents, Indradev Vishwakarma and Aarti Devi, for medical reasons. Unfortunately, he missed his return train and could not attend the exam.
Upon raiding Prince’s home, law enforcement discovered his grandmother and younger brother present.
Investigations have indicated that the leaked question papers were distributed through a WhatsApp group, with access priced at just Rs 350. Prince is suspected to act as the group's administrator.
This WhatsApp group was reportedly established for the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) Board Examination, with links circulated for students to join. The group boasted over a thousand members.
A fee of Rs 350 was allegedly solicited via QR code for access to the illicit question papers, which were disseminated in PDF format and secured with a password. Those who made the payment received the password to unlock the documents.
The leak was substantiated when the Science paper distributed at 9.45 a.m. in Thursday’s first shift coincided with the paper being circulated online. Following this revelation, the examinations for both Hindi and Science subjects were annulled.
Similar leak incidents have also been reported from Giridih, Garhwa, and East Singhbhum districts.
Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in these regions are conducting independent investigations, with several individuals already questioned in Garhwa.
The Jharkhand Academic Council has mandated the Deputy Commissioners to present investigation reports by Friday.
The Hindi examination took place on February 18, while the Science exam occurred in the first shift on Thursday. The Council has announced that new dates for the re-examinations will be disclosed later.
The Class 10 Board examinations in Jharkhand commenced on February 11, with 1,297 examination centers established across the state. A total of 4,33,890 students are participating in the examinations.
