Enforcement Directorate Initiates PMLA Investigation Into JSSC-CGL and Other Recruitment Examination Irregularities
Ranchi (Economy India): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in the conduct of various recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, including the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination, officials said on Monday.
According to officials, the central agency has taken cognisance of an FIR registered by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Jharkhand Police, along with other complaints and charge sheets related to alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
The ED has initiated the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED May Begin Further Action
Officials said the ED is likely to initiate further action in the case, which could include collecting evidence, summoning individuals connected with the cases for questioning and, if warranted, taking steps to attach properties allegedly linked to the proceeds of crime.
The investigation comes amid growing protests by students in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in several recruitment examinations.
Students Demand CBI Probe
Students in the state have been protesting for the last 16 days, demanding that the alleged irregularities in the JSSC-CGL and other recruitment examinations be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The protesters are also demanding comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Among their demands is the cancellation of several recruitment examinations, including the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination.
The protesters have also called for an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities, either by the CBI or by a committee comprising retired judges of a High Court from outside Jharkhand.
Former JPSC Chairman Arrested
The developments took a significant turn on Monday when the Jharkhand CID arrested L Khiyangte, a former chairman of the JPSC, in connection with the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
Before his arrest, the CID had questioned Khiyangte four times since July 28 as part of its investigation.
The state agency had also conducted searches at 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad in connection with the alleged recruitment irregularities.
The investigation has already resulted in the arrest of 14 other people, according to officials.
JPSC Civil Services Main Examination Postponed
Amid escalating protests and allegations surrounding recruitment examinations, the JPSC had postponed the Combined Civil Services Main Examination, which was scheduled to be held from July 25 to July 27.
The commission cited “unavoidable circumstances” for the postponement.
The postponement further intensified concerns among candidates who have been demanding greater transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.
Three JPSC Members Resign
In another major development, all three members of the JPSC — Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda and Jamal Ahmad — resigned on Sunday.
Their resignations came after the Jharkhand CID issued summons to the three members for questioning in connection with allegations of irregularities and question-paper leaks.
The development has added to the ongoing controversy surrounding recruitment examinations conducted by the state’s public service and staff selection bodies.
Investigation Widens Amid Growing Pressure
The ED’s decision to initiate a PMLA investigation adds another layer to the ongoing probe being conducted by the Jharkhand CID.
While the CID is investigating alleged irregularities, question-paper leaks and other aspects of the recruitment process, the ED’s investigation will focus on any possible financial angle and whether the alleged offences generated or involved proceeds of crime.
The agency’s next steps are expected to become clearer as investigators examine documents, financial transactions and other evidence connected with the cases.
The controversy has also intensified calls for greater transparency in government recruitment examinations, particularly as thousands of candidates depend on these examinations for public-sector employment opportunities.
The ongoing investigations by the state CID and the ED, along with demands for a CBI probe, are expected to keep the issue in focus in the coming days.
(Economy India)
