UP STF Cracks Down on Exam Fraud in Ghazipur, Arrests College Principal and Solver
In a significant operation that highlights the persistent threat posed by the copying mafia in eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) made a major breakthrough on Monday. The STF successfully arrested the principal of Bhagelu Das Inter College in Ghazipur and a solver from Mau, exposing a sophisticated cheating racket during the UP Board high school examinations.
Details of the Arrest and Raid
The STF's Varanasi field unit, maintaining vigilant surveillance over Ghazipur district—a region notorious for exam malpractice before 2017-18—acted on specific intelligence. The information indicated that the principal of Bhagelu Das Inter College was allegedly facilitating candidates by allowing solvers to impersonate them during the high school English paper.
A dedicated team, led by Inspector Anil Singh and supported by static magistrates Arvindra Kumar Singh and Manorama Singh, conducted a targeted raid on Room 12 of the college. During this operation, the STF apprehended Shivam Yadav from Mau, who was found taking the exam in place of Shubham Yadav. Additionally, the principal, Vindhyachal Yadav of Ghazipur, was arrested from the same location in the Karuri Bahlolpur area under Dullahpur police station.
Evidence Recovered and Confession
From the arrested individuals, the STF seized crucial evidence, including the question paper for the UP Board high school English exam, an answer sheet, an OMR sheet, an admit card, an Aadhaar card, and two mobile phones. This evidence strongly supports the allegations of organized cheating.
During initial interrogation, Shivam Yadav confessed to appearing in the exam as a substitute for Shubham Yadav in exchange for a payment of Rs 40,000. He revealed that he faced no obstacles during the exam process, as biometric and other verification checks were bypassed due to the principal's involvement. This admission underscores the systemic nature of the fraud, where institutional authority was exploited to enable malpractice.
Context and Ongoing Challenges
Since 2018, officials have implemented stringent measures to curb the copying mafia in east UP districts, achieving notable success in reducing such incidents. However, this recent case demonstrates that the challenge persists, with perpetrators adapting their methods to evade detection. The arrest of a college principal—a figure expected to uphold academic integrity—highlights the deep-rooted issues within some educational institutions.
The STF's operation serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required to maintain exam integrity and combat corruption in the education system. Authorities are likely to intensify their vigilance in the coming days to prevent similar frauds and ensure fair conduct of examinations across Uttar Pradesh.
