Journalism of Courage
A key piece of evidence in an examination cheating case, the chit allegedly used by the candidate, has been stolen from Badarpur police station, forcing the department to look at its own personnel, said sources Monday.
The suspicion on insiders is on account of pressure the police faced to go easy on the candidate, Pradeep Kumar, who hails from Sonepat, Haryana, added the sources. A senior police officer, however, denied knowledge of any such pressure.
Kumar, 25, was caught cheating during a clerical exam at Kendriya Vidyalaya, NTPC Badarpur, on October 11, said police sources. “The invigilator, Ajay Kumar, caught him copying from the chit and informed others including the school’s principal, J Rajbangshi,” added the sources.
“Kumar allegedly tore the chit and manhandled the invigilator. The authorities informed the police and handed Kumar over along with evidence including the torn chit,” said the sources. On the basis of Rajbangshi’s complaint, a case was registered under sections 420 (cheating) and 186 (obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties) of the IPC at Badarpur police station.
Sources said Kumar was taken to Badarpur police station, where sub-inspector Rajiv Kumar Yadav questioned him. “Later, investigating officer (IO) Yadav put all the evidence in a polythene bag, kept it in a cupboard in his room and left the police station at about 11.45 pm. The theft came to light the next day. Before taking Kumar for production before a Saket court, IO Yadav checked the polythene bag and the chit was missing,” said the sources.
The police station staff realised the evidence had been stolen. Yadav later registered a case of theft after giving his complaint, added the sources.
