Itanagar, May 20, 2025 — In a significant breakthrough against examination malpractice, the Capital Police of Arunachal Pradesh have busted a sophisticated interstate cheating racket during the CBSE-conducted recruitment examinations for Lab Assistant and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) posts under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), held on May 18.
Acting on credible inputs received from school authorities, particularly Kingcup Public School and VKV Itanagar, the Capital Police conducted an intensive pre-exam frisking operation. This led to the apprehension of 23 candidates at Kingcup Public School and one candidate at VKV Itanagar. All were found in possession of advanced GSM-enabled devices and micro earpieces, which they intended to use for receiving real-time answers during the examination.
Following a swift investigation and coordinated action by Niti Vihar and Chimpu Police Stations, a total of 53 candidates have been arrested. Authorities also recovered 29 sophisticated electronic communication devices, indicating a highly organized and well-funded cheating operation.
Legal Action Underway
The arrested individuals have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—notably Sections 61(1), 112(1), and 318(4)—along with Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. They also face charges under Sections 10 and 11 of the newly enacted Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Niti Vihar Police Station Case No. 18/2025 Chimpu Police Station Case No. 34/2025
A Pan-India Operation: How the Racket Worked
Initial investigation reveals that the cheating racket was allegedly operated from Haryana, with connections suspected in other states like Punjab, Delhi, and Assam. The candidates were either contacted by middlemen or themselves approached agents, often paying substantial sums in exchange for a “guaranteed selection.”
The modus operandi was meticulously planned:
Centre Preference Manipulation: Candidates chose remote centres such as Itanagar, Dimapur, and Chandigarh, under the assumption that surveillance protocols would be weaker. Training & Equipment: Candidates were trained to use high-tech gadgets—GSM devices hidden in undergarments and micro earpieces—to communicate discreetly during the exam. Answer Relay System: Handlers, stationed remotely, would remain on call during the exam and relay answers after the candidate whispered the question code. The objective-type format made quick and accurate communication easier.
Key digital evidence such as SIM cards, mobile devices, WhatsApp chats, and call records have been seized and are under forensic examination.
Expanding Investigation and Nationwide Implications
Police teams have already been dispatched to Haryana to apprehend the identified handlers and middlemen involved in orchestrating this scam. Sources suggest that this Itanagar bust is part of a larger national network, as similar cheating attempts have also been reported from Gangtok, Chandigarh, and Shimla.
The CBSE has been formally notified, and full cooperation is being extended by both the police and educational institutions to ensure that no undeserving candidates are allowed to benefit from the recruitment process.
A Wake-Up Call for Examination Reforms
This incident raises serious concerns about the integrity of recruitment examinations in India. The use of advanced technology by cheating rackets is a stark reminder that robust digital surveillance, strict frisking protocols, and stronger legal deterrents are urgently needed.
While Arunachal Pradesh Police have been lauded for their proactive and timely response, the incident exposes a vulnerability that demands national attention. As investigations continue, authorities hope that this crackdown will serve as a deterrent and a catalyst for wider reforms in public examination security protocols.
