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Ranchi: In a major development in the widening Jharkhand recruitment examination controversy, the Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Monday arrested former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte, intensifying the probe into alleged irregularities in the conduct of several competitive examinations.

Khiangte, a former Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, had resigned as chairman of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) after the CID launched an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 14th Combined Civil Services Examination and other recruitment tests. He had subsequently appeared before investigators for several rounds of questioning.

₹2 crore bribe allegation under scanner

The latest development has brought a serious bribery allegation into the spotlight. According to allegations emerging during the CID investigation, Khiangte is accused of allegedly seeking or accepting a ₹2-crore bribe in connection with the award of the examination-conducting contract to TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL).

It is further alleged that he was to receive 20 per cent commission from subsequent payments made to the agency. These allegations reportedly surfaced during the CID’s interrogation of Abhay Tiwari, who investigators have identified as a key figure in the alleged recruitment examination racket.

The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established in court. Investigators are examining the alleged financial arrangement, the process through which TDPL received the examination-related work and the possible involvement of officials and intermediaries.

TDPL contract at the centre of probe

The role of TDPL has emerged as one of the major focuses of the investigation. The agency had earlier faced action from the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and was reportedly blacklisted in 2025, yet subsequently received examination-related work connected with JPSC. Investigators are examining how the agency was selected and whether prescribed procedures were followed.

The CID has also searched premises linked to Khiangte and TDPL and seized documents and electronic material as part of the investigation. TDPL’s offices in Ranchi and Lucknow were also reportedly sealed during the probe.

Abhay Tiwari link being investigated

A key name in the investigation is Abhay Kumar Tiwari, who was associated with TDPL as its marketing manager while also serving as a government official. Investigators have alleged that Tiwari played a significant role in the recruitment racket and acted as an intermediary.

The Indian Express reported that the CID was examining allegations that Tiwari acted as a middleman and sought money from candidates in return for helping them secure recruitment. The newspaper also reported that investigators were examining his links with other government employees and recruitment examinations. The allegations remain under investigation.

Khiangte questioned repeatedly before arrest

Before his arrest, Khiangte had been questioned by the CID on several occasions. During one round of questioning, investigators reportedly questioned him for more than eight hours about the selection of the examination agency, complaints regarding examination irregularities and other aspects of the recruitment process.

Investigators also questioned him about his alleged links with Abhay Tiwari and the decision-making process surrounding the appointment of the examination agency.

Khiangte had earlier said that he resigned to ensure a free and fair investigation, arguing that continuing in office could raise questions about the possibility of evidence being influenced or tampered with.

Probe widens beyond 14th JPSC examination

The investigation was initiated after allegations of irregularities surfaced in the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, including questions surrounding OMR sheets and the declaration of candidates as successful.

The CID subsequently widened its investigation to other JPSC and JSSC examinations. Searches were conducted at the JPSC headquarters and other locations, while several people connected with the alleged racket were arrested.

The investigation is examining the functioning of the examination system, the selection of private agencies, handling of confidential examination material and the alleged role of officials, agency employees and intermediaries.

Arrest comes amid intense student agitation

Khiangte’s arrest comes at a time when JPSC and JSSC aspirants are continuing a major agitation in Ranchi, demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities.

The protesters have also been demanding that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The state government’s ongoing investigation, however, is being conducted by the Jharkhand CID.

The distinction is crucial: Khiangte has been arrested by the Jharkhand CID, not the CBI. The CBI probe is a demand of the protesting students and is not the agency that carried out Monday’s arrest.

A former Chief Secretary now at the centre of the controversy

Khiangte, a 1988-batch IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, took charge as JPSC chairman in 2025. His subsequent resignation following the CID action and now his arrest represent a dramatic turn in a controversy that has shaken confidence among thousands of government-job aspirants.

With allegations of financial dealings, questions over the selection of TDPL, the alleged role of Abhay Tiwari and the examination irregularities all being examined together, the CID investigation has now reached the highest level of the JPSC’s recent administration.

The coming days are likely to be crucial as investigators establish whether the allegations against Khiangte and others are supported by documentary, financial and digital evidence.

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