The main accused in the UKSSSC exam paper leak case, Khalid Malik, was arrested in Haridwar on Tuesday, bringing a major breakthrough in the investigation. Alongside his arrest, his sister Sabia has come under investigation for her role in forwarding leaked questions, while another sister, Hina, is also being examined for possible involvement.
Our correspondent reports that Malik allegedly scaled the rear wall of Adarsh Bal Sadan Inter College, avoiding routine checks at the gate. He concealed a mobile device in his socks and managed to sneak it into the examination hall. From a washroom in the hall, he secretly photographed three pages of the question paper and sent them to Sabia.
The screenshots were subsequently forwarded by Sabia to Assistant Professor Suman Chauhan, under the pretext that the images were required by Hina. Chauhan, however, became suspicious and escalated the matter, which ultimately triggered police intervention.
Our correspondent adds that Sabia had initially opposed her brother’s plan but later relented after he assured her that there would be no risk of exposure. Police officials are now verifying the extent of Hina’s role in the conspiracy. Meanwhile, Chauhan has agreed to act as a witness in the case, which strengthens the prosecution’s stance.
A significant revelation has come from the exam centre principal, Dharmendra Chauhan, who admitted that Room No. 9 — where Malik was seated — did not have a mobile jammer. The college had 18 rooms but only 15 jammers available, leaving three rooms unprotected. Compounding the lapse, CCTV cameras were not operational inside classrooms; surveillance was limited to the control room and the main gate. These gaps provided Malik the opportunity to carry out the leak.
Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh and Haridwar SSP Premendra Dobal confirmed Malik’s arrest. Officials revealed that after completing the exam, Malik fled the premises and moved between locations in Uttar Pradesh before returning to Uttarakhand, where he was eventually traced. He has now been transferred to Dehradun for further questioning and legal proceedings.
Our correspondent reports that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) believes the leak was executed by a small group, suggesting a targeted conspiracy rather than a widespread racket. However, the possibility of local staff or external assistance being involved is still under review. Authorities are scrutinising digital evidence, interrogating individuals who circulated the images, and questioning the service providers responsible for the jammers.
Our correspondent adds that the college itself has come under intense scrutiny since it is run by a politically connected figure, raising concerns about accountability in selecting examination centres. Investigators say they will not rule out action against management if negligence is proven.
The case has shaken public confidence in competitive recruitment exams across Uttarakhand. Candidates have voiced strong concerns over the fairness of the process, demanding stronger safeguards and immediate reforms. Experts are calling for compulsory installation of sufficient mobile jammers in all exam halls, full CCTV coverage, and stricter penalties for malpractice.
The arrest of Khalid Malik and the ongoing probe into his sisters mark a turning point in the investigation.
