Begusarai/Samastipur: Police in Bihar have uncovered a sophisticated cheating racket that allegedly planned to help candidates clear the Prohibition Constable Recruitment Examination using Bluetooth-enabled devices concealed inside slippers.
According to investigators, the gang had modified slippers by embedding miniature receivers that could not be detected by standard metal detectors. Since candidates were not permitted to wear shoes inside examination centres, the accused allegedly chose slippers as a means to smuggle electronic devices into the venues.
Candidates were also to be provided with tiny Bluetooth earpieces connected to the hidden receivers. Police said gang members stationed outside examination centres would transmit answers, which would be received by the device concealed in the slippers and relayed to candidates through the Bluetooth earpieces.
The accused allegedly charged ₹5 lakh per candidate for facilitating cheating, apart from an additional ₹30,000 to cover the cost of electronic devices. Candidates were also scheduled to undergo training sessions before the examination to ensure the technology could be used without detection.
The details emerged during the interrogation of alleged mastermind Rajesh Roshan, police said.
Arrests Made in Begusarai and Samastipur
Police first arrested Rajesh Roshan and his associate, Dularchand Kumar, during a late-night operation on June 12, ahead of the examination. Based on their disclosures, police arrested Nandan Kumar, a Bihar Military Police (BMP) constable, from Kaimur district on June 13.
Further interrogation led investigators to Amit Jha, who was allegedly operating from Samastipur. Begusarai Police coordinated with Samastipur Police, resulting in his arrest.
Investigators said another examination fraud network was active in Samastipur, where Amit Jha had allegedly been invited due to his technical expertise. Police claim he was responsible for modifying the electronic devices and arranging the necessary equipment.
Several Suspects Still at Large
According to police sources, Dularchand Kumar, a resident of Lohia Nagar in Begusarai district headquarters, worked closely with Rajesh Roshan, who is reportedly a teacher.
Other suspects identified in the case include Devmuni alias Devnarayan Bhagat of Khagaria, Dhanu alias Dhaneshwar, Ravi alias Ranjan Singh, Rajesh Roshan’s brother Abhinav Kumar, Ankit, Neeraj, Abhijeet alias ABR, Amit Jha alias Raja Babu, and BMP constable Nandan Kumar alias NK.
Police said raids are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.
Investigators suspect the gang used WhatsApp to exchange question papers and answer keys related to various competitive examinations.
Training Planned Before Examination
Police said the accused had planned to conduct training sessions a day before the examination. They allegedly intended to rent rooms near examination centres and use walkie-talkies to connect multiple candidates simultaneously and guide them through the answers.
The training was aimed at ensuring candidates could operate the devices smoothly during the examination without raising suspicion.
Electronic Gadgets Seized
During searches conducted at Rajesh Roshan’s residence, police recovered slippers and vests fitted with electronic devices.
The seizure included walkie-talkies, antennas, receivers, battery chargers, metal detectors, data cables, master golden cards, SIM devices, Bluetooth earpieces, mobile phones, an Apple iPad and a Dell laptop.
Officials said forensic examination of the electronic gadgets is underway.
Police have also identified several individuals whose signed cheques and original certificates were recovered during the raids. These individuals are currently under scrutiny, and further legal action is being initiated.
Investigators said the gang had allegedly taken contracts to help candidates pass the Prohibition Constable Recruitment Examination. A female candidate was also among those allegedly planning to use the electronic devices to cheat.
The operation, led by Begusarai Superintendent of Police Manish, disrupted the racket before the examination could take place.
