AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government on Sunday cancelled the competitive exam for the Panchayat Junior Clerk recruitment hours before it was scheduled to be held due to the paper leak, said officials.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist (ATS) has arrested 15 people in this connection with the case from Vadodara. As per the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), over 9.50 lakh candidates had registered for the exam which was to be conducted from 11 am today.
“The Panchayat Junior Clerk recruitment exam in Gujarat has been postponed. Over 9.50 lakh candidates registered for the exam which was to be conducted from 11 am, and free return journey in GSRTC buses was announced for candidates,” the CMO said in a statement.
Based on a tip-off, Gujarat Police detained a suspect and recovered a copy of the question paper of the exam early Sunday morning, after which the Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board (GPSSB) decided to postpone the exam.
“On the basis of the information received by the police, a suspect Isam was arrested and a copy of the question paper of the above examination was found from him. Criminal police action and further investigation is being done,” said Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board, Gandhinagar.
Sandip Kumar, Incharge Chairman of Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board said that this appeared to be the work of an organised gang.
“One suspect was held by the police early morning today. During questioning, he revealed about the paper leak. 15 accused were caught till now. This appears to work of an organised gang,” said Kumar.
Meanwhile, Sunil Joshi, SP, Gujarat ATS said they were continuously keeping a watch on people who were related to previous paper leak incidents.
“Gujarat ATS was continuously keeping a watch on people who were related to previous paper leak incidents. 15 accused have been arrested from Vadodara with question papers. The government decided to cancel the exam. Further investigation is underway,” said Joshi.
The new exam date will be announced soon and the candidates from across the state will be allowed to travel free on showing the examination pass. (ANI)