Nagpur Police Probe Suspected Paper Leak in Maharashtra HSC Exams
Police in Nagpur are conducting a thorough investigation into a suspected paper leak involving two crucial subjects—Physics and Chemistry—during the ongoing Maharashtra State Board Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 12 examinations. The probe was initiated after authorities confiscated a cell phone from a student, which uncovered a WhatsApp group where questions strikingly similar to those in the actual exam papers were being circulated.
Discovery of the Leak and Initial Findings
The alarming incident came to light on February 18 when invigilators at St Ursula Girls High School grew suspicious of a female student's extended absence during a washroom break. Upon frisking her, they discovered a smartphone. Examination of the device revealed a WhatsApp group containing questions that closely matched the Chemistry exam scheduled for that day.
Sources indicate that when school authorities questioned the student, she became emotional and began crying, raising concerns about her well-being and putting everyone on high alert. A police team from the Sadar station, led by Senior Inspector Amol Deshmukh, promptly arrived at the exam center to interrogate the student and gather evidence.
Expanding Scope of the Investigation
What shocked investigators further was the revelation that this was not an isolated case. The Physics paper from February 16 had also allegedly been leaked. In the WhatsApp group, questions were sent around 10:35 AM, a mere 25 minutes before the exam's official start time at 11:00 AM.
Police traced the digital trail through the numerous members of the WhatsApp group, ultimately leading to the owner of a tuition institute in Nagpur's Mankapur area. The teacher is now under intense scrutiny, with authorities suspecting his involvement in obtaining the papers from someone connected to the board. Officers have stated they will question all members of the group, and the probe may uncover wider links to the board's operations.
Official Statements and Legal Actions
A police officer involved in the case confirmed, "An FIR was registered on Friday, and the case is under active investigation. We are examining technical details of the accused's WhatsApp number and focusing on how the papers were accessed and distributed, potentially for monetary gains."
Shivling Patve, Chairman of the Nagpur Divisional Board, also acknowledged the development, assuring that the board will conduct an internal inquiry to address the breach and prevent future occurrences.
History of Paper Leaks in Maharashtra State Board
This incident is not the first time the Maharashtra State Board has been rocked by paper leaks. The board has faced similar scandals in recent years:
- 2023: Buldhana police arrested a college principal and staff members for opening a sealed HSC mathematics paper, photographing it, and selling copies for approximately ₹10,000.
- 2018: Students at a Kalyan center received history and political science papers over an hour before the SSC exam.
- 2017: During the HSC exams, the Marathi paper surfaced about 20 minutes early, followed by the Secretarial Practice paper being circulated 13 minutes before distribution. The physics paper went viral after 11 AM, prompting a police complaint.
- 2016: A Mumbai teacher photographed the Class 12 accountancy paper and shared it via WhatsApp.
The recurring nature of these leaks highlights systemic vulnerabilities in the examination process, raising serious questions about security measures and integrity within the state board's administration.
