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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.

MP police recruitment scam, Aadhaar biometric fraud, madhya pradesh constable exam cheating, madhya pradesh proxy candidates, Gwalior exam chaeting case, madhya pradesh impersonation racket, Indian expressThe 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.

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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.

Anand Mohan J is an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently leading the bureau’s coverage of Madhya Pradesh. With a career spanning over eight years, he has established himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of law, internal security, and public policy. Based in Bhopal, Anand is widely recognized for his authoritative reporting on Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive, ground-level coverage of the historic surrender of the final Maoist cadres in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the backchannel negotiations and the "vacuum of command" that led to the state being declared Maoist-free. Expertise and Reporting Beats Anand’s investigative work is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, holding institutions accountable through deep-dive analysis of several key sectors: National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He is a primary chronicler of the decline of Naxalism in the Central Indian corridor, documenting the tactical shifts of security forces and the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres. Judiciary & Legal Accountability: Drawing on over four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand deconstructs complex legal rulings. He has exposed critical institutional lapses, including custodial safety violations and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA). Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a leading reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park. He has provided extensive coverage of the biological and administrative hurdles of rewilding Namibian and South African cheetahs, as well as high-profile cases of wildlife trafficking. Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigative work has uncovered systemic negligence in public services, such as contaminated blood transfusions causing HIV infections in thalassemia patients and the human cost of the fertilizer crisis affecting rural farmers. Professional Background Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017. Locations: Transitioned from the high-pressure Delhi City beat (covering courts, police, and labor issues) to his current role as a regional lead in Madhya Pradesh. Notable Investigations: * Exposed the "digital arrest" scams targeting entrepreneurs. Investigated the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths and the impact of kodo millet fungus on local wildlife. Documented the transition of power and welfare schemes (like Ladli Behna) in Madhya Pradesh governance. Digital & Professional Presence Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express Twitter handle: @mohanreports ... Read More

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