Probe agencies trying to find source of question paper leak

LUCKNOW: The leak of the question paper for the online test for recruitment of sub-inspectors in the civil police has put a question mark on the fairness of the examination and impartiality of the agency tasked with holding it.

The UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has already cancelled the online test.

The investigation agencies are trying to find out if the question paper was leaked from an examination centre or the website of the agency was hacked.

After the question paper went viral on the social media on Monday evening, director general of police Sulkhan Singh decided to postpone the test to be conducted on July 25 and 26.

Addressing a press conference, inspector general (IG), Public Grievances, GL Meena said, “A contingent of UP police was deployed at the examination centres. An officer of SP rank was made the nodal officer of the examination.”

This is not the first time the test conducted by the UPPRPB is mired in controversy. In 2015, candidates filed a petition in the Allahabad high court on the use of whitener on the answer sheet. They also alleged that the Board violated the reservation rules.

As the issue of recruitment of constables and sub-inspectors remained pending in court, the SP government decided to do away with three stages of the examination, including written test and interview.

It was decided that candidates will be selected on the basis of the marks scored by them in the board examination and physical test.

To make the selection procedure transparent, the BJP government decided to hold an online test. A three member committee of senior police officers was constituted to select the agency for holding the online test. The test was to be conducted in 22 districts from July 17 to 31. The question paper leak has turned out to be a major setback for the UP Police.

Talking to HT, a senior police officer who did not wish to be named, said, “The UPPRPB in 2009 was transparent and leak proof. The ministry of home affairs had lauded the state government and directed other states to adopt the UP model. But within a few years, the examination process has turned doubtful and questions are being raised about the working of the UPPRPB officers.”

A UPPRPB officer said the candidates will be informed about the fresh test dates through SMS or e-mail. The candidates can download the admit card from the website of the UPPRPB.

The UPPRPB in 2009 was transparent and leak proof. The ministry of home affairs had lauded the state government and directed other states to adopt the UP model. But within a few years, the examination process has turned doubtful and questions are being raised about the working of the UPPRPB officers. SENIOR POLICE OFFICER