CID intensifies probe, focus on Webel agency and Mithilesh Singh
Surendra Soren
Ranchi
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has intensified its probe into the alleged paper leak and irregularities in the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) CGL-2024 examination, with investigators focusing on Webel, the agency associated with the conduct of the examination, and its alleged network.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the case is examining the security arrangements, operational procedures and personnel associated with the examination process. Investigators suspect that the alleged leak could not have taken place on such a large scale without the involvement or assistance of individuals familiar with the examination system.
According to CID sources, Mithilesh Singh, a Patna resident associated with Webel, has emerged as a key suspect. Investigators are examining allegations that examination material, including questions and answers, was allegedly circulated shortly before the examination.
A major breakthrough reportedly came during the interrogation of Abhay Tiwari alias Manoj Kumar Tiwari, a former marketing manager of TDPL who has been arrested in connection with the JPSC examination irregularities case. During his CID remand, Tiwari allegedly told investigators that the JSSC CGL examination held in September 2024 had also been compromised.
According to the investigation, 15 candidates in Bokaro, including Tiwari, his wife and his brother, allegedly paid ₹12 lakh each, amounting to ₹1.8 crore. The candidates were allegedly made to memorise 65 questions and their answers before the examination. Mithilesh Singh and his associate Rakesh Singh were allegedly present during the exercise.
The investigation is also examining the circumstances under which Webel was assigned responsibilities relating to biometric verification and question-paper printing after TDPL was removed from the relevant panel.
CID investigators are examining Mithilesh Singh’s alleged financial transactions, bank accounts, telephone records, messages and other digital evidence to trace the wider network and identify possible intermediaries and beneficiaries.
There have been reports claiming that Mithilesh Singh was arrested in Delhi. However, according to the latest information available to investigators, he is still absconding, and a CID team has reportedly been pursuing leads in Delhi to locate him.
The SIT, headed by IG (Jharkhand Jaguar) Anoop Birtharay, has expanded its investigation and is questioning a number of candidates and other suspects. Officials are also examining the possible role of individuals connected with the examination agency and alleged intermediaries.
The investigation assumes significance as the examination involved the future of a large number of candidates across Jharkhand. The alleged irregularities have triggered widespread protests and demands for an independent investigation.
The state government has recently decided to cancel the JSSC CGL examination, citing serious findings that emerged during the investigation. The CID is now attempting to establish the complete chain—from the alleged leakage of examination material to its distribution among candidates and the financial transactions involved.
