Karnataka PSI Exam Paper Leak

The Karnataka Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment examination scam centers on the leakage of question papers for an exam originally held in 2021 to recruit 545 PSIs. More than 58,000 aspirants attended the initial test, which was later declared cancelled after authorities discovered widespread irregularities, including leaked question papers available a day before the test, answers supplied through Bluetooth and other devices, and cheating by over 50 selected candidates. Two aspirants reportedly committed suicide following the postponement.

Investigators identified an organized network allegedly led by a mastermind, along with other key figures including a school owner who allegedly obtained an examination center illegally. The scandal snowballed into a major political controversy, drawing intense friction between the ruling party and the opposition Congress, which later demanded that a local BJP Member of Parliament be named as an accused for visiting the families of key suspects. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) probed the multi-layered racket, resulting in numerous arrests across the state.

The sweep of the investigation eventually led to the arrest of high-ranking officials, including the then chief of the police recruitment cell and an Additional Director-General of Police. Other government employees, such as a health center assistant and hostel superintendents, were also implicated as co-accused. Authorities later scheduled a re-examination, implementing strict prohibitory orders around examination centers and closing photocopy shops in the vicinity to restore public trust amid a severe shortage of police personnel.

Not yet reported: The articles do not specify the final judicial verdicts or sentencing outcomes for the arrested individuals.