Jaipur: The investigation into the high-profile paper leak scandals linked to the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has now reached the top ranks of the commission. In a major development, the Special Operations Group Rajasthan (SOG) on Tuesday arrested former acting RPSC Chairman Dr. Shiv Singh Rathore from Jodhpur in connection with the School Lecturer (Agriculture Science) Recruitment Examination-2022 paper leak case.
According to sources in the SOG, Dr. Rathore is currently being interrogated at the agency’s headquarters in Jaipur, where investigators are examining his alleged role in the recruitment scam that has rocked Rajasthan’s competitive examination system.
₹60 Lakh Paper Leak Deal Under Investigation
The arrest is linked to allegations that the Agriculture Science Lecturer recruitment examination paper was sold for nearly ₹60 lakh to selected candidates and middlemen. The paper leak racket was exposed by the SOG on May 10 after extensive surveillance and interrogation of multiple accused persons.
Investigators claim that the alleged mastermind of the racket, Sher Singh Meena, confessed during questioning that the examination paper had been arranged through former RPSC member Babulal Katara in exchange for ₹60 lakh.
During the interrogation, Sher Singh Meena reportedly also mentioned the name of former acting chairman Dr. Shiv Singh Rathore, prompting the SOG to intensify its investigation and summon him for questioning. Following preliminary interrogation and examination of evidence, the agency proceeded with his arrest.
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Face-to-Face Interrogation Likely
Sources said the SOG is now preparing for possible face-to-face questioning between the accused individuals to establish the chain of conspiracy and determine whether senior officials of the commission were directly involved in leaking confidential examination papers.
Officials are also scrutinizing financial transactions, communication records, digital evidence, and links between commission insiders and members of the paper leak network.
Several Arrests Already Made
The SOG has already arrested multiple accused persons in the case, including former RPSC member Babulal Katara and several alleged middlemen connected to the recruitment scam. Each round of investigation has revealed deeper layers of alleged corruption and organized manipulation within the recruitment process.
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The latest arrest is being viewed as one of the most significant developments in the ongoing crackdown on paper leak mafias operating in Rajasthan.
Recruitment Exams During Rathore’s Tenure Under Scanner
Dr. Shiv Singh Rathore was appointed acting chairman of the RPSC in December 2021 and was considered one of the youngest chairpersons in the commission’s history. Several recruitment examinations conducted during his tenure have come under scrutiny after repeated allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and organized cheating surfaced across the state.
The controversy had triggered widespread protests by competitive exam aspirants, who accused the commission of failing to maintain the integrity of recruitment examinations. Student groups and job aspirants had repeatedly demanded strict action against senior RPSC officials and an independent investigation into the alleged scams.
Aspirants See Arrest as Major Breakthrough
The arrest of the former acting chairman is being seen by many aspirants as a sign that the investigation is finally reaching the “higher authorities” allegedly involved in the scam network. Protest groups have welcomed the action and demanded a time-bound investigation along with strict punishment for all officials found guilty.
However, the SOG has not yet issued any detailed official statement regarding the next course of action or whether more senior officials may face questioning in the coming days.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities believe more revelations could emerge as interrogation progresses.
