3, including under secy, held in Arunachal APSSB malpractices case

Itanagar: The special investigation cell (SIC) of the state police has arrested three more persons in connection with alleged malpractices in the recent LDC/JSA examination conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB).

The SIC which is investigating the case under several sections of the IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act arrested APSSB under secretary Kapter Ringu from the Abotani colony here on Wednesday, while two data entry operators of the Board’s office — Khem Raj and Tame Tania were arrested from the city on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

“The trio has been arrested for their roles in the case, relating to unauthorized entry into strong room, tampering of OMR sheets and destruction of evidence,” SIC (vigilance) superintendent of police Harsha Vardhan said in a statement this evening.

“The total number of arrested persons in this case has now increased to five. All the arrested persons are in police custody and further investigation is under progress,” the SP said.

The SIC had on Monday arrested two persons — Senia Bagang and Mongam Basar — in connection with the case.

Whereas Mongam, as per the police, had acted in connivance with the officials of APSSB to indulge in the malpractices, Senia was the aspirant who had left her answer sheet blank and was still qualified for the for the skill test.

All the arrests comes days after a suspicious optical mark recognition (OMR) sheet, bearing roll number 2025546, was widely circulated on social media and for which the APSSB has been drawing flak from all quarters.

According to the results of the exams — which were published on the board’s website on February 14 — Senia, the candidate with roll number 2025546, had been shortlisted for the skill test. However, if one goes through the OMR sheet, it suggests that the candidate had left the answer sheet blank.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) has strongly condemned the entire episode.

“The case has shocked everyone and shattered the dreams and aspirations of thousands of unemployed educated youth of the state. The APSSB was created only to improve work culture through quality recruitment process and to contain corruption practices during recruitment,” the CoSAAP said in a statement.

The association, has at the same time appreciated the prompt action taken by the state police and chief minister Pema Khandu and urged them not to spare anybody involved in such immoral acts.