Fraud Racket Busted in Himachal Police Recruitment Exam, Two Arrested

Palampur, June 16:
A major fraud has come to light during the recently held Himachal Pradesh Police Constable Recruitment Examination. Two individuals have been arrested in Palampur, Kangra district, for allegedly orchestrating a scam promising candidates success in exchange for money. The accused have been identified as Vikram and Balwinder alias Sonu Jaryal, both residents of Jawali, Kangra.

The recruitment exam, conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission on June 15 across the state, became the center of controversy after Kangra Police received a tip-off about a scam being run to exploit aspirants. Acting swiftly, a joint team from the Security Branch and Palampur Police detained a few suspicious individuals outside one of the exam centres in Palampur.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had devised a plan to deceive candidates by falsely promising them a guaranteed pass in the exam in exchange for money. They also attempted to mislead aspirants by involving proxy candidates.

Police questioned several candidates on the spot. Based on the available evidence, a case has been registered at Palampur Police Station under sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Both accused have been taken into custody, and at least seven others have been interrogated in connection with the case.

Investigations have also revealed that the two accused have a prior criminal history related to police recruitment scams. Their names had surfaced in the 2022 police recruitment paper leak and the 2019 Bluetooth cheating device case.

Confirming the development, Kangra SP Shalini Agnihotri stated that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in the scam.