Dehradun, 25 Sep: One day after the Sector Magistrate related to the exam centre in district Haridwar, from where the alleged leak of the paper happened, was suspended, the government has taken action against more officials. The Higher Education Department has taken stern action in connection with the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) paper leak case. Assistant Professor Suman Chauhan, who had reportedly solved the leaked question paper, has been suspended after being found prima facie guilty of involvement in the leak with wrongful intent. In addition, 2 police officials who were on duty at the examination centre have also been suspended by SSP Haridwar for negligence.
During her suspension period, Suman has been attached to the Directorate of Higher Education, Haldwani. The suspension order notes that this is the third instance of unbecoming conduct by her, bringing disrepute to the state government. She will remain suspended until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded. It may be noted here that she was initially hailed by the Uttarakhand Berozgar Sangathan as a whistle-blower in the paper leak case, but the investigation now indicates that she was in prior contact with Khalid who allegedly leaked the paper and through his sister, sent the paper’s photo to her, urging her to solve the paper.
Meanwhile, in Haridwar, the Haridwar Police too have initiated action against personnel found negligent. Following the suspension of the Sector Magistrate and Assistant Professor Suman Chauhan, SSP Haridwar Pramendra Dobal has today suspended Sub Inspector Rohit Kumar and Constable Brahmdutt Joshi, both of whom were on duty at the Adarsh Bal Sadan Inter College in Bahadarabad. The SSP stated that the policemen failed to act with vigilance and sensitivity during the examination. He has ordered disciplinary proceedings against them and has handed over the inquiry to Circle Officer (CO) Roorkee, Narendra Pant, seeking a detailed report within a week.
So far, the police have arrested Khalid and his sister Sabia, while the Higher Education Department has suspended Assistant Professor Suman. The government has also suspended KN Tiwari, Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency, who had been tasked with ensuring the integrity of the examination. The fact that the paper was leaked from three rooms without jammers has raised questions about the role of the jammer team as well.
