Nagpur: In a major embarrassment for the education department, the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 12 Chemistry and Physics question papers were allegedly leaked before the examination at the St Ursula School examination centre in Sadar, according to media reports. A case has been registered at Sadar Police Station, marking what officials describe as the first such instance in the state this year.The Chemistry paper, conducted on Thursday, was reportedly circulated on a WhatsApp group nearly an hour before the exam began. During the probe, it also emerged that the Physics paper had been leaked in a similar manner earlier.15-Student WhatsApp Group Under ScannerPolice investigation revealed that a WhatsApp group comprising 15 students had been created. Two girl students from the St Ursula School examination centre were part of the group. Upon questioning, the students allegedly informed investigators that a private coaching class teacher had leaked the paper in exchange for money.The remaining 13 students, who were appearing for the Chemistry examination at different centres across the city, are suspected to have solved the paper using answers shared in the group. Police have launched a search to identify and question them.Suspicion Raised After Student’s Repeated Washroom VisitsThe matter came to light after a girl student repeatedly sought permission to visit the washroom during the examination. Her frequent exits raised suspicion among the invigilators. When she returned after her third visit, she was searched through a female teacher.A smartphone was recovered from her possession. Examination of the device revealed that the Chemistry question paper, along with answers, had been shared on a WhatsApp group even before the commencement of the exam.The centre superintendent immediately alerted Amol Deshmukh, who arrived at the centre with a police team and initiated an inquiry.Case Registered; Larger Racket SuspectedBased on the student’s statement and digital evidence from the WhatsApp group, Sadar police have registered a case against the person responsible for leaking the paper. Investigators are now examining how widely the question paper was circulated and how many individuals were involved in the racket.Police suspect the involvement of someone within the education department, indicating the possibility of a larger network behind the leak.Officials confirmed that both the Chemistry and Physics papers of the Class 12 board examination were compromised at the St Ursula examination centre. The two students found at the centre are being questioned, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining 13 students linked to the WhatsApp group.Senior police officials stated that further investigation is in progress and more revelations are expected in the coming days.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com