The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has successfully apprehended 19 individuals in connection with an elaborate cheating operation during the Class 10th English examination conducted by the UP Board. The arrests were made following extensive investigations and strategic raids in different locations within the Hardoi district.
Authorities revealed that the STF conducted two separate raids in the district, uncovering a well-organized cheating racket where individuals were found solving exam papers on behalf of students. The Class 10th English examination was scheduled during the morning shift, from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM on Friday, and these illegal activities were carried out during that time frame.
14 Individuals Caught at Principal’s Residence
Acting on a crucial intelligence tip-off, a Special Task Force team, in coordination with District Inspector of Schools Balmukund Prasad, launched a raid at Jagannath Singh Public Inter College in Katiyamau village, located in Hardoi district. Their investigation extended beyond the school premises, leading them to the residence of the principal, which was situated approximately 3-4 kilometers away from the institution.
Upon reaching the principal’s house, the STF officers discovered a group of 14 individuals actively engaged in writing answers to the English exam paper. This group comprised five men and nine women, all of whom were caught in the act of solving the examination questions illicitly. The officers seized a total of 20 answer sheets from the site, which were being used to facilitate cheating for students appearing for the exam.
Second Raid Uncovers Additional Culprits
In another swift operation conducted by the STF, authorities uncovered further instances of cheating outside Jai Subhash Mahabali Inter College, situated in the Dalel Nagar area of the Hardoi district. During this raid, two women were found selling the examination paper outside the school premises. The STF officials also apprehended Ram Milan, the center in-charge, along with Manish Singh, the examination in-charge, and an unnamed teacher who was allegedly complicit in the cheating operation.
Examination Impersonation Racket Busted
Following these arrests, District Inspector of Schools Balmukund Prasad provided further details about the scam, revealing that the individuals apprehended were part of a larger network that specialized in impersonating students to ensure they passed their exams dishonestly. He stated that these two gangs had been systematically engaging in malpractice to manipulate exam results.
The STF confiscated the illegally solved answer sheets, which were immediately sealed as evidence for further legal proceedings. The investigation has indicated that these two centers were deeply compromised, necessitating strict action to restore the integrity of the examination process.
Action Against School Administrators
In response to the exposure of the cheating racket, authorities have taken immediate steps to ensure accountability. District Inspector of Schools Balmukund Prasad confirmed that the center administrators and static magistrates assigned to both examination centers will be replaced with immediate effect to prevent any further malpractice.
Additionally, a formal letter has been submitted to higher authorities requesting strict action against the external administrators, center administrators, and static magistrates responsible for overseeing the examination process at both locations. Authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on such fraudulent activities to uphold the sanctity of the education system and ensure fair examinations for all students.