SOG arrests 3 govt employees for role in 2021 SI paper leak
Jaipur: Special Operations Group (SOG) of Rajasthan Police Thursday arrested three govt officials in connection with the 2021 Sub-Inspector recruitment examination paper leak case, further unravelling a complex web of corruption in the recruitment process.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The arrests include two assistant accounts officers (AAOs)—Purushottam Dadhich (35) and Sandeep Kumar Lata (43)— and a Grade III teacher, Kundan Kumar Pandya (54), as confirmed by DIG (SOG) Paris Deshmukh.
Dadhich, a resident of Didwana-Kuchaman, was already placed under suspension by the medical and health department in Udaipur where he was serving, while Lata, a resident of Sikar, was posted at the treasury and accounts department in Jaipur.
Pandya was posted at a govt primary school in Palwada, Dungarpur.
The TOI reported on Jan 5 that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) mentioned in its report that Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Babu Lal Katara, who was arrested in the same case, allegedly handed over six sets of the 2021 SI exam question papers to commission colleague Ramu Ram Raika. These were later leaked to Dadhich also, who allegedly circulated them for profit nearly a month before the exam.
Investigators believe that Katara's association with Dadhich during the former's posting in Udaipur facilitated the leak. The investigation has revealed a broader conspiracy than initially suspected. Earlier findings suggested that RPSC member Katara leaked the papers only to benefit his colleague Raika's children—Devesh and Shobha—both of whom were arrested while undergoing SI training in Jaipur. However, recent developments indicate a commercial operation where question papers reached Dadhich and the same were sold to multiple candidates.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
According to the SIT, Dadhich received Hindi and General Knowledge papers weeks before the Sept 2021 examination and collaborated with Lata and Pandya to distribute them to select candidates in exchange for money.
Dadhich's role emerged last year following the arrest of trainee sub-inspectors identified as Renu, Surendra Bagadia and Surjeet, who got the exam paper beforehand. However, when the police arrested the trio, Dadhich went underground.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Cops intensify search for Maoists in Odisha forests
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The recent intensified operations against Maoists in Chhattisgarh has reportedly forced them to disperse and seek refuge in adjacent forest areas, police officials said. Acting on intelligence reports, the special operation group (SOG) and district voluntary force (DVF) launched search operations in Charmal forests of Sambalpur district. Intelligence reports suggest that there was suspicious movement of some rebels from Chhattisgarh, who took shelter in these forests, prompting swift action from security forces. "It is an area domination exercise that is being carried out as part of ongoing offensive, search, and combing operations in Maoist-dominated areas in the state. It is not fully confirmed if the rebels dispersed and are trying to shift their bases. Considering their dwindling numbers in Odisha, it is not likely that they will have any sort of offensive action against security forces," said a senior police officer privy to the ongoing operations. In Oct last year, a senior Maoist cadre was killed in a combing operation launched by SOG in Kandhamal district. Since then, no Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) Maoist was killed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The combing was launched at Budanai reserve forest under Baliguda police limits. Earlier, DGP Y B Khurania said Odisha police are working hard to nip Left-wing extremism in the bud, reiterating the police effort to meet the Centre's target of eliminating LWE violence by March 2026. Nearly four years after Boudh was declared Maoist-free, the Centre again in March included it in LWE-affected list and treated it as a security related expenditure (SRE) district. Boudh, Koraput and Bargarh have been categorised as districts of legacy and thrust. Nuapada and Malkangiri districts are treated as districts of concern while Kalahandi and Kandhamal as most affected district. Police officers said thrust districts are those, where there is scope for expanding Maoist activities and hence more focus and planning are required to carry out anti-Maoist operations as well as sensitising people.
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Initiatives in 11 years boosted prosperity, ensured overall transformation of agriculture: PM Modi
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has underlined the far-reaching impact of the government's pro-farmer initiatives over the past 11 years, marking a significant phase of dignity and prosperity for the agricultural community. He highlighted key initiatives such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and Kisan Fasal Bima, describing them as important steps taken by the government for the welfare of farmers. The Prime Minister also noted that due to the continuous increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP), the country's food producers are not only receiving fair prices for their crops but are also experiencing a rise in their income. PM Modi emphasised that it has been a privilege for his government to serve the hardworking farmers of the country. Reflecting on the last 11 years, he said that the government's various initiatives have not only enhanced prosperity among farmers but have also contributed to an overall transformation of the agriculture sector. The Prime Minister highlighted that the government has paid close attention to key aspects such as soil health and irrigation, which have been greatly beneficial. Our efforts towards farmer welfare will continue with greater vigour in the times to come, Modi further stated. He said that we have worked on dignity and prosperity for our farmers. 'Earlier, our farmer brothers and sisters were forced to borrow money even for small needs, but in the last 11 years, our government's decisions have made their lives much easier. Be it PM Kisan Samman Nidhi or Kisan Fasal Bima, we have taken many important steps for their welfare. Now, with the continuous increase in MSP, the country's food producers are not only getting a fair price for their crops, but their income is also increasing,' said PM in a post on X in Hindi. 'It's our privilege to serve our hardworking farmers. For the past 11 years, our various initiatives have boosted prosperity for farmers and also ensured an overall transformation of the agriculture sector. We have focussed on issues like soil health and irrigation, which have been greatly beneficial. Our efforts towards farmer welfare will continue with greater vigour in the times to come,' said the PM in a post on X. Meanwhile, MoAFW's statement read, 'Above all, the mindset has shifted, Farmers are now recognised as key stakeholders and drivers of India's growth. As India enters Amrit Kaal, its empowered farmers stand ready to lead the nation from food security to global food leadership.' Highlighting the work done by the Modi-led government over 11 years of governance (since 2014), the Centre's achievements have been shown under the campaign of '11 years of Kisan Samman' and 'Viksit Bharat ka Amrit Kaal, Seva Sushasan, Garib Kalyan ke 11 saal' A statement from MoAFW has highlighted that over the 11 years, the agri sector has seen enhanced budget allocation, including increased Food Grain Production, increase in MSP and Support for farmers, wheat, paddy, MSP growth and record procurement, financial security among other things. 'From modern irrigation and credit access to digital marketplaces and agri-tech innovations, India is embracing smart farming and reviving traditional practices like millet cultivation and natural farming. Allied sectors such as dairy and fisheries are also flourishing, driving rural prosperity and climate-smart agriculture,' the ministry said. Regarding Budget allocation, the ministry said, 'Agriculture serves as the backbone of India's economy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security, providing employment, and contributing to overall economic development. It supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population and remains vital to India's socio-economic fabric.' The Budget estimates for the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare have seen growth, rising from Rs 27,663 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,37,664.35 crore in 2024-25, an increase of nearly five times over the period, the ministry said. The country's grain production has also grown steadily from 265.05 million tonnes in 2014-15 to an estimated 347.44 million tonnes in 2024-25. 'The major crops include rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, barley, gram, tur, pulses, groundnut, soybean, rapeseed and mustard, oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton, and jute & mesta,' the statement read. During the period 2014-15 to 2024-25, procurement of 14 Kharif crops was 7,871 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT), while during the period 2004-05 to 2013-14, procurement was 4679 LMT. Apart from this, the ministry also highlighted various other schemes which have been launched, like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Soil Health cards. Whereas on modern infrastructure of agriculture, the ministry mentioned Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, e-NAM and Market Reform and Mega Food Parks and how they have grown over the years. On innovation and entrepreneurship, the ministry mentioned its various initiatives such as NAMO Drone Didi, AgriSURE, Diversifying Farmer Incomes and how food processing sector has become a key driver in farmer's income growth. Moreover, achievements in various agricultural sectors, such as the blue revolution, which has made India as the second largest fish producing country with around 8 per cent share in global fish production; Sweet Revolution and the Dairy sector were also highlighted. (ANI)
India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Tirupati laddu case: SIT to issue notices to temple body's ex-chairmen, officers
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu ghee case is set to issue notices to former TTD chairmen and executive officers who served during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime, sources said on to sources, SIT officials will likely serve the first round of notices on Monday to former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy, along with Dharma Reddy, other past chairmen, executive officers, and former TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal (Deo). The officials are expected to be summoned to cooperate with the development marks a significant update in the high-profile probe into the alleged supply of adulterated ghee for the sacred Tirupati laddu prasadam. This comes just two days after the SIT, led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), strongly opposed bail for the directors of three dairies accused of being at the heart of the its arguments before the court, the CBI described the case as a "betrayal of faith", calling it not just food fraud but a deeply entrenched, multi-crore conspiracy to defraud not only the TTD but crores of devotees across the country. PSP Suresh Kumar, standing counsel for the CBI, highlighted the sensitive nature of the crime, given its connection to a religious allege that Bholebaba Dairy, which did not have a formal contract with TTD, used AR Dairy as a front to secure the lucrative ghee supply agreement. While the documentation was in AR Dairy's name, the actual product was reportedly delivered by Bholebaba. Tests later revealed that the so-called ghee was not dairy-based at all, but a harmful concoction of palm oil and dairies- Bholebaba, Vaishnavi, and AR Dairy - are alleged to have jointly run the racket, conducting business worth hundreds of crores. In addition to financial fraud, the CBI has also accused the accused parties of attempting to tamper with the of the co-accused, Asish Rohilla, who had reportedly agreed to testify as a witness, was allegedly relocated under duress to Chennai and later to Delhi in an effort to silence him. The CBI argued that the accused have access to immense financial resources and could influence or threaten other witnesses if granted religious sentiment and public trust hanging in the balance, the agency has urged the court to handle the matter with the highest level of seriousness. The SIT is now focused on widening the scope of the probe to include all those who held positions of authority during the time of the alleged marks the first time that notices will be served to former TTD chairpersons in connection with the case, indicating that the investigation is now moving beyond suppliers and into the administrative chain that governed TTD during the YSRCP regime.
