Uttar Pradesh Police Cracks Down on Alleged Exam Mafia, Property Worth Rs 60 Lakh Seized in Soraon

Prayagraj: In a major crackdown against organized examination fraud, Uttar Pradesh Police has initiated stringent action against an alleged exam mafia accused of facilitating cheating in several competitive examinations, including police recruitment tests.

Authorities on Saturday seized property worth nearly Rs 60 lakh linked to the accused and installed an official confiscation notice on the land in Soraon’s Rajapur Malhua village.

The action was carried out against Sonu Singh, who police claim was involved in running a large-scale cheating network that allegedly helped candidates clear competitive examinations through unfair means.

Officials said the crackdown is part of an ongoing campaign against organized exam fraud and illegal financial assets acquired through such activities.

According to police sources, Sonu Singh had allegedly purchased land in the name of his wife, Poonam Yadav, using money earned through illegal examination rackets.

The confiscated property is estimated to be worth around Rs 60 lakh in the current market.

Police said a case had earlier been registered against Sonu Singh and several of his associates under the Gangsters Act in 2025.

During the investigation, officials reportedly found evidence suggesting that large sums of money were collected from candidates in exchange for helping them pass various recruitment and competitive examinations through fraudulent methods.

The property seizure was carried out following orders issued by the court. Under the supervision of senior police officials, including ACP Soraon and local police teams, authorities reached the village and formally attached the land by placing a public confiscation notice at the site.

Officials also warned residents against purchasing or illegally occupying the land.

Investigators believe the gang operated across multiple districts and maintained links with several individuals involved in organized cheating networks.

Police sources said the accused allegedly charged candidates between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh to help them secure success in recruitment examinations.

Officials added that Sonu Singh’s wife is also facing multiple criminal cases linked to the matter.

The police have indicated that further investigations are underway, and additional properties suspected to have been acquired through illegal earnings may also come under scrutiny.

Speaking on the development, senior police officials said the government is adopting a zero-tolerance policy against exam mafias and organized cheating syndicates.

Authorities stressed that strict legal action would continue against those attempting to manipulate recruitment processes and exploit unemployed youth through fraudulent means.

The crackdown comes amid increasing concerns over paper leaks, impersonation rackets, and organized cheating in competitive examinations across Uttar Pradesh, an issue that has sparked public outrage in recent years.