SSC paper leak? Divisional board approaches cops

From March 14, the NGO had written several emails to the board with screenshots of SSC question papers that were being circulated on WhatsApp, alleging that there is a big racket that supplies question papers before the exam begins.

The Mumbai divisional board approached the Bhiwandi police on Tuesday to register a first information report (FIR) based on an NGO’s complaint of a possible paper leak racket in during the ongoing secondary school certificate (SSC) exams.

The Mumbai divisional board approached the Bhiwandi police on Tuesday to register a first information report (FIR) based on an NGO’s complaint of a possible paper leak racket in during the ongoing secondary school certificate (SSC) exams. (Photo by Sanket Wankhade/HT PHOTO)(HT Photo)

From March 14, the NGO had written several emails to the board with screenshots of SSC question papers that were being circulated on WhatsApp, alleging that there is a big racket that supplies question papers before the exam begins. On March 14, the organisation had also tweeted the screenshots and tagged the official handle of Thane police.

“The board officials approached us on Tuesday and we have started the process of filing an FIR. Once the complaint is registered, we shall start an investigation,” said Ankit Goel, deputy commissioner, zone 3, Bhiwandi Police.

Krishnakumar Patil, the chairperson of the Mumbai divisional board, said the board is looking into the issue. “Our officials have visited Bhiwandi and are looking into the issue. While we have received a few images, we do not have the technical expertise to validate whether they are genuine,” Patil said.

On March 14, Govind Sharma, founder and president, Samvad Foundation, had received the question paper of the Algebra exam, which was held on March 11, via his acquaintances on WhatsApp. Screenshots shared in the NGO’s email to the divisional board revealed the Algebra paper, which was scheduled to be held at 11 am on March 11, was possibly circulated on WhatsApp at 10.13am.

The organisation had also sent emails hinting at a possible leak of the Science I and II papers, which were held on March 15 and 18 respectively. HT has a copy of the online complaint and the screenshots shared by the NGO.

“We have given all the necessary evidence but the board has delayed the process of investigating the matter. We are open to help and share whatever details the board needs. This racket needs to be busted as there are two schools that are at the centre of all this. We have given all these details to the police and the board,” said Sharma.

(With inputs from Ankita G Menon)