The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) has cancelled its Assistant Professor examination, conducted in April last year . The decision follows serious irregularities, including a widespread paper leak. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the examination scam.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered the cancellation. This directive came after a confidential inquiry confirmed the extent of the malpractice. The Special Task Force (STF) received intelligence reports indicating large-scale irregularities in the recruitment process.
Investigation and Arrests
The STF launched an investigation into the allegations. Their probe uncovered a criminal racket involved in preparing fake question papers. This group also facilitated cheating among candidates during the Assistant Professor examination.
The commission conducted the examination on April 16 and 17 last year . Based on intelligence inputs, the STF acted swiftly. They arrested three accused individuals on April 20 last year .
Those arrested were identified as Mehboob Ali, Baijnath Pal, and Vinay Pal. Their arrests link them directly to the manipulation of exam procedures. They are also accused of illegal extortion related to the leaks.
Legal Action and Commission Changes
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following the arrests. The FIR was filed at Vibhutikhand police station in Lucknow. It includes relevant sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
Authorities asked the then chairperson of the UPESSC to resign. This step was crucial for maintaining confidentiality and fairness. One of the prime accused, Mehboob Ali, served as her confidential assistant.
Professor Kirti Pandey, UPESSC Chairperson, subsequently resigned from her position. Her resignation took effect in September last year . This move aimed to prevent any potential conflict of interest during the ongoing inquiry.
Confession and Corroboration
Mehboob Ali allegedly confessed to his involvement during interrogation. He admitted accessing question papers for various subjects. These papers were obtained during the official moderation process.
He also supplied these accessed question papers to candidates. He did so in exchange for monetary payments. This confession provided a key breakthrough in the investigation.
The STF corroborated Mehboob Ali’s confession. This corroboration came through a detailed investigation process. Extensive data analysis further supported his statements.
Government’s Stance and Future Steps
The state government has reiterated its commitment to transparency. It emphasized fairness and integrity across all recruitment processes. The cancellation underscores this commitment.
The government has directed UPESSC to conduct the examination afresh. The new examination must be held in a fair and transparent manner. This ensures equal opportunity for all genuine candidates.
The government’s decision prioritizes the interests and future of genuine candidates. It assures strict action against all individuals involved in examination-related malpractices. The aim is to restore faith in the recruitment system.
The investigation into the paper leak continues. Authorities are working to identify any other individuals involved. UPESSC will announce further updates on the re-examination schedule.