The Paper Leak Scandal Unfolds
The controversy erupted when the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Rajasthan Police registered a case related to the SI recruitment exam paper leak in February 2024.The investigation revealed two separate gangs responsible for the leak, which led to the arrest of 37 officers from various police stations who had allegedly acquired the exam papers in advance. The scandal took another turn when, just two days ago, five more police officers, including the son and daughter of former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Ramuram Raika, were arrested in connection with the leak.
SOG ADG Vijay Kumar Singh, who is spearheading the investigation,reportedly submitted a proposal to cancel the recruitment exam. The proposal outlines how the examination paper was leaked from the examination center and widely disseminated through social media channels. The Director General of Police, U.R. Sahu, forwarded the proposal to the state government, where it has been discussed at a high level. Experts believe the government may soon take a decisive step in this matter.
Key Dates and Details of the Rajasthan Police SI Recruitment 2024
The recruitment process for the 859 Sub Inspector positions in the Rajasthan Police has been under scrutiny since the paper leak scandal surfaced. The written examination was conducted across the state on September 13, 14, and 15, 2021, with over 7.97 lakh candidates applying for the posts. The exam took place in two shifts at 802 centers spread across 11 districts. The application process began on February 9, 2021, and ended on March 10, 2021, with an additional application window for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category from June 9 to June 23, 2021.
A Government Decision Is Imminent
The recruitment exam has been mired in controversy, with growing pressure on the government to act swiftly. Media reports suggest that the government is leaning towards cancelling the exam and re-conducting it at a later date. According to insiders, the government is considering the proposal seriously and is likely to make a final decision soon. The stakes are high, especially considering the upcoming field training for trainee police officers at the Rajasthan Police Academy, which is set to begin in the next two months.
Implications of Cancellation
Should the state government decide to cancel the recruitment examination, it would have significant ramifications. Hundreds of aspirants who had appeared for the exam will be affected, and there may be calls for a fresh recruitment drive. The government may also face questions regarding the integrity of the recruitment process, as well as its ability to prevent such leaks in the future.
The scandal has not only shaken the trust of the aspirants but also cast a shadow over the functioning of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). According to the SOG investigation, the leak occurred when former RPSC member Ramuram Raika acquired the paper from another RPSC member, Babulal Katara, and passed it on to his son and daughter seven days before the exam. Katara has been in jail since April 2023 for a similar offense related to the Senior Teacher Recruitment Examination and was questioned further about the SI paper leak.
What to Expect Next?
The government’s decision on the proposed cancellation will determine the next steps for the Rajasthan Police and the candidates. A cancellation would likely necessitate a fresh examination and could prompt a review of the current recruitment policies and procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
With the investigation still unfolding and more details likely to emerge, the Rajasthan Police SI recruitment exam saga is far from over. The decision that the government takes in the coming days will set a precedent for how such issues are handled in the future, ensuring accountability and fairness in the recruitment process.
