Bihar: Investigation Reveals Printing Press, Not Experts, Set 2023 Constable Recruitment Question Paper

Patna: The investigation into the 2023 constable recruitment exam has uncovered a major scandal involving the setting of the question paper. Contrary to claims made by former DGP and ex-chairman of the Central Selection Board SK Singhal, it has been revealed that the question paper was not prepared by experts but was instead handled by individuals associated with Caltex Printing Press.

According to the investigation by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU), Suparna Chakraborty, Director of Caltex Printing Press and a homeopathy doctor, along with Sanghamitra, the sister of the press owner, were responsible for setting the exam paper. Sanghamitra, a graduate, works in her brother Kaushik Kar’s company, Blessing Secure. The paper was allegedly created using old question papers, question banks, and online resources like Google.

The investigation has also brought to light that former DGP Singhal was aware of the irregularities. Analysis of Singhal’s mobile phone records shows his location was frequently near the Caltex Printing Press, raising suspicions of his involvement.

In a response to a series of 44 questions posed by the EOU, Singhal acknowledged consulting with Caltex Multiventure for the paper, claiming that the process was based on the trend of old question papers and adhered to standard examination formats. However, it has been revealed that Blessing Secure Printing Press, run by Kaushik Kar, had been blacklisted in Uttar Pradesh and Kar had previously been imprisoned.

The financial aspects of the scandal further complicate the case. The former DGP admitted to advancing funds to Caltex as part of their agreement, with a total expenditure of Rs 8.86 crore on the prohibition restoration and constable recruitment exams. Of this, Rs 2.95 crore was allocated to prohibition restoration and Rs 5.91 crore to constable recruitment.

Saurabh Bandopadhyay, a key figure in the case, confessed that Caltex agreed to provide a 10% commission of the project’s total cost to Singhal. Bandopadhyay claimed that Singhal repeatedly awarded confidential work to Caltex in exchange for this commission.

Further scrutiny reveals that Caltex, formed in 2021, lacked the necessary infrastructure for printing and even had a fictitious registered address. Singhal’s stay at a guest house affiliated with Blessing Secure in Kolkata for several days has been corroborated by mobile data.

The EOU has filed charges against 16 individuals, including Dr. Shiv alias Bittu, Ashwini Ranjan alias Sonu, and other key figures associated with Blessing Secure and Caltex Printing Press. Four accused are currently absconding, and the arrest of the primary suspect, Sanjeev Mukhiya, has been postponed.

The EOU has informed the Home Department about the substantial evidence collected against Singhal, including mobile CDR analysis and confessions from the arrested directors. A thorough examination of Singhal’s and his wife Sumita Singhal’s bank accounts and investments is underway, with additional scrutiny by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in Delhi.

This case highlights significant lapses in the recruitment process and raises serious questions about accountability within the examination board.