Ex-JPSC Chairman Faces Fourth Round of CID Questioning in Exam Irregularities Case

The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday questioned former Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) chairman L. Khiangte for nearly seven hours as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the commission. The latest interrogation marks the fourth round of questioning in the high-profile case that has raised concerns over recruitment transparency in the state.

According to officials, Khiangte appeared before CID investigators around 11 am and left the agency's office at approximately 6 pm. He had earlier been questioned for nine hours on July 28 and eight hours each on July 29 and July 31.

Khiangte resigned as JPSC chairman on July 22, a day before the CID carried out searches at multiple locations, including his official residence, in connection with the alleged examination irregularities. On July 27, he stated that he had voluntarily resigned to facilitate an impartial investigation. He had assumed charge as JPSC chairman in February last year after retiring as the state's chief secretary.

The CID has so far arrested 11 individuals in connection with the alleged irregularities. Amid the investigation and political controversy, the JPSC Combined Civil Services Mains Examination, scheduled between July 25 and July 27, was postponed by the commission citing "unavoidable circumstances." The postponement followed protests by the opposition BJP, which demanded accountability over the alleged recruitment irregularities.

As part of the ongoing probe, the CID, assisted by local police, conducted raids at 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad districts on Monday. Investigators recovered several documents and electronic devices believed to be linked to the case, including laptops, mobile phones, bank passbooks, cheque books, carbon copies of candidates' OMR sheets, admit cards, and marksheets.

The recovered materials are expected to aid investigators in tracing the alleged manipulation of recruitment examinations and identifying those involved. The investigation continues as authorities seek to establish accountability and reinforce transparency and integrity in the state's public recruitment process.