Journalism of Courage
Premium
Renting Aadhaar logins, manipulating biometric data: How hackers ‘helped’ candidates cheat in MP constable recruitment test
The directive comes as investigators have allegedly uncovered an interstate network spanning multiple states that manipulated biometric data to help unqualified candidates fraudulently pass the recruitment examination.
3 min read
The probe has led to the registration of 21 cases against 22 candidates across multiple districts, with seven cases in Morena, six in Shivpuri, two in Sheopur, and one each in Indore, Datia, Gwalior, Alirajpur, Rajgarh, and Shahdol. The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister has directed the strictest possible action following revelations of a sophisticated cyber fraud that exploited the Aadhaar update system during the Police Constable Recruitment Exam-2023.
In a statement, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said: “Such criminal acts, which cause injustice to deserving candidates, will not be tolerated in Madhya Pradesh. Taking suo motu cognizance, the Police Headquarters is conducting a thorough examination of biometric data and Aadhaar history of all successful candidates. In cases where impersonation is found at first glance, criminal cases have been registered against the candidates and strict action is being ensured.”
The directive comes as investigators have allegedly uncovered an interstate network spanning multiple states that manipulated biometric data to help unqualified candidates fraudulently pass the recruitment examination.
According to sources, the investigation has allegedly revealed that the organised gang rented login IDs of several Aadhaar centre agents. They also indicate the gang cloned agents’ retina and biometric data that served as passwords for these IDs, with one agent having his ID rented for Rs 3,000 per month.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Anshuman Singh said that during investigation, it was also found that some Aadhaar card vendors uploaded requests for biometric changes to the Aadhaar system without proper verification.
“The accused candidates exploited this lapse to commit the crime,” he said.
The sophisticated operation allegedly utilised remote access applications to control candidates’ systems from Delhi while updating their Aadhaar with the gang’s own biometric data. After examinations concluded, the IDs were changed back to their original state, allowing imposters known as “solvers” to be sent to exam centres with altered identities.
Story continues below this ad
The gang updated biometric data in candidates’ Aadhaar cards before the exam and altered it again afterward.
Police said the irregularities were first detected in November 2024 when documents of five candidates in Morena raised suspicions during the Physical Proficiency Test. This discovery prompted the police headquarters to issue directives on April 21, 2025, requiring re-verification of biometric and Aadhaar history for all selected candidates during character verification and appointment phases.
The probe has led to the registration of 21 cases against 22 candidates across multiple districts, with seven cases in Morena, six in Shivpuri, two in Sheopur, and one each in Indore, Datia, Gwalior, Alirajpur, Rajgarh, and Shahdol.
Advertisement
Loading Taboola...
Live Blog
Top Stories
Advertisement