Police and the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) held a late-night press conference after allegations of a paper leak in the graduate-level recruitment exam. Officials said the integrity of the full examination remains intact. Only one question paper set from a Haridwar centre is involved, linked to a single student.
Our correspondent reports that the accused include candidate Khaleed Malik, his sister Heena, and Assistant Professor Suman. All three are under investigation. A case has been registered under the Uttarakhand Competitive Examinations (Prevention of Malpractice) Ordinance, 2023 at Raipur Police Station.
SSP Ajay Singh clarified that the leak did not affect the whole exam. He explained that only one exam set surfaced from one centre for one candidate, and this does not cast doubt on the entire recruitment test.
Authorities revealed that the paper leaked from a Haridwar exam centre where Khaleed Malik had taken the test. Screenshots of questions reached his sister Heena, who then contacted Professor Suman to get answers. Suman reportedly shared them but raised concerns when the screenshot showed an OMR sheet.
Key Questions and Gaps
A central issue under investigation is the presence of mobile phones inside the centre, and whether jammers, which are supposed to block signals, were functioning properly. How the screenshots came out when signal jammers should be in place is puzzling to police.
Another concern is that screenshots went viral on social media around 1:30 pm, while the exam had begun at 11:00 am. Some posts claimed that parts of the paper were leaked just 35 minutes into the exam.
Connections, Roles, Investigation Status
Probe findings suggest that Khaleed Malik’s sister posed as an exam-preparing candidate to request answers. Suman, the assistant professor, allegedly provided responses after receiving question screenshots. Claims also involve Bobby Panwar, linked to the state unemployed association, who is accused of dissuading them from reporting the leak to police and instead publicising the screenshots for publicity.
Both women—Heena and Professor Suman—are being questioned. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and is conducting raids at suspected hideouts. Police believe Khaleed may be arrested by late night.
Official Statements and Reassurances
Officials emphasised that so far only a limited breach has been established. The UKSSSC chairman admitted that the leak points to grave negligence at the centre, possibly implicating employees stationed there. He said officers assigned to manage examinations will also be audited.
Police appealed to students and the public not to jump to conclusions or act on sensational rumours. They reiterated that investigations are ongoing and after Monday, a more complete picture will emerge.
Implications
Though the breach appears isolated, it exposes vulnerabilities in exam-security protocols: mobile restrictions, jamming devices, monitoring of centre staff, and handling of leaked content. Policy experts say public trust could suffer unless the state strengthens oversight and transparency. Students affected by anxiety or fear of unfairness may demand compensatory measures or retesting. Institutions may be pushed to review certification of exam centres and staff.
Our correspondent adds that this incident is likely to trigger calls for stricter enforcement of exam rules across all districts of Uttarakhand, and possibly a purge of staff lapses. The outcome of the investigation—including charges or acquittals—will be watched closely.
