JPSC FRO exam: CID probes 119 candidate contact links

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has found that Sanjit Kumar, who runs Patanjali Coaching, was in contact with 119 of the 743 candidates who cleared the Forest Range Officer (FRO) main examination, according to a report on the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations.

According to the report, investigators compared the mobile numbers of the 743 successful candidates with the call detail records (CDRs) of two mobile numbers used by Kumar. The comparison showed contact links involving 119 candidates. The finding, by itself, does not establish that the candidates were involved in examination malpractice.

The investigation also identified contact between Kumar and other accused, including Dharmendra Kumar, Ravi Shankar Kumar, Braj Kumar Ram and Abhay Kumar Tiwari. Investigators are examining these contacts and financial transactions as part of the alleged examination-fixing network.

CID examines payments linked to car purchase

The CID sought information from Premshans Motors regarding the down payment for a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire purchased by Dharmendra Kumar, the personal assistant to JPSC chairman L. Khiangte, the report said.

According to the report, ₹1.69 lakh was paid through Kumar’s UPI ID towards the down payment. Details of Sanjit’s Axis Bank account reportedly also showed transfers of ₹99,000 on April 6, 2026, and ₹70,000 on April 10, 2026, to an account belonging to Dharmendra Kumar’s wife.

The CID is examining these transactions as a possible financial link between the two men in the alleged examination-fixing arrangement.

Kumar told investigators that the money was a personal loan extended at the request of Ravi Shankar Kumar, who taught at his coaching institute, and on Ravi’s guarantee. He denied involvement in examination irregularities or any criminal conspiracy.

Report refers to alleged ₹20 lakh arrangement

The CID report also reportedly refers to statements by Pankaj Prasoon and Hrithik Roshan concerning Kumar’s alleged role. It mentions an alleged arrangement of ₹20 lakh to secure success in an examination, with payments said to have been made in instalments.

The report describes Pankaj Prasoon as Kumar’s cousin and refers to an alleged close family relationship between Kumar and Hrithik Roshan. The available account does not establish whether the alleged payment arrangement has been independently corroborated or whether a court has made any findings on these allegations.

The investigation remains focused on the alleged network of contacts and financial transactions surrounding the JPSC examination process. The allegations against the individuals concerned require assessment through the relevant investigative and judicial proceedings.