Paper leak row in Uttarakhand escalates as CM blames ‘Nakal Jihad’

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has described a recent paper leak during a state recruitment exam as “nakal jihad” or cheating jihad. The comments came amid widespread protests on Wednesday against the state government over alleged exam rigging.

The incident involved the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) examination, which was held on Sunday. Three pages of the question paper were reportedly shared online, sparking outrage among candidates and political groups. In response, thousands of residents marched to Dehradun, particularly to the Parade Ground, where protests have been ongoing since Sunday. The Uttarakhand Berozgar Sangathan and other organisations led the demonstrations, demanding a thorough investigation.

Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the leak. Khalid Malik, who appeared for the exam in Haridwar, allegedly shared photos of the question paper with his sister, Sabia. Sabia then reportedly sent the photos to a friend named Suman, hoping to get the answers. However, Suman, a college professor, did not share the answers and instead informed local politician Bobby Panwar. Panwar later posted the photos on social media, alleging that the exam had been rigged.

Despite these arrests, protesters claimed that Khalid and Sabia were not solely responsible for the alleged leak. Questions arose about the security measures in the exam hall, as the principal of the college where the incident occurred, Dharmendra Chauhan, admitted that only 15 out of 18 classrooms had mobile jammers. Khalid sat in a classroom without a jammer, making it easier for him to take photos of the exam paper. Chauhan also revealed that while CCTV cameras were installed, they were only operational at the main gate and control room, not inside classrooms.

CM warns coaching mafia and cheating groups

Speaking at a meeting with new BJP office bearers, CM Dhami alleged that certain groups had deliberately conspired to leak the paper to sabotage the futures of young candidates. He accused the coaching and cheating mafia of collaborating to carry out “nakal jihad” in the state and warned that the government would not rest until these groups were dismantled.

“The coaching mafia and cheating mafia come together to carry out nakal jihad…to spread anarchy in the region,” Dhami said. “To those mafias and jihadis, I warn you that as long as the mafia is not destroyed, we will not rest.” His statement stirred controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the choice of words.

Congress leader Suryakant Dhasama accused the BJP government of using communal rhetoric to divert attention from administrative failures. He pointed out that several individuals involved in separate scams had recently been arrested, including Hakam Singh, who was apprehended a day before the UKSSSC exam. “Several names connected to this incident have already surfaced. But for the CM, this is also jihad,” Dhasama said.

In addition to the paper leak, police are investigating another scam connected to the exam. Hakam Singh and his accomplice Pankaj Gaur were arrested for allegedly promising guaranteed success in the UKSSSC exam to six candidates in exchange for sums between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 15 lakh each. These multiple incidents highlight the vulnerabilities in the recruitment process and the challenges faced by authorities in ensuring fair examinations.

The CM’s comments have sparked debate about the government’s handling of the situation. Supporters argue that his strong stance is necessary to deter future cheating and protect candidates’ interests. Critics, however, contend that using terms like “jihad” is inappropriate and polarizing, especially in a sensitive social context.

Meanwhile, protests continue in Dehradun, with demonstrators demanding transparency, accountability, and stricter measures to prevent paper leaks. Many young candidates expressed frustration over the alleged irregularities and called for a complete overhaul of the exam system to restore public trust.

Officials have stated that the government is reviewing security protocols for future examinations, including stricter surveillance inside classrooms, better mobile signal jamming, and comprehensive CCTV coverage. Authorities are also working to ensure that candidates affected by the leak will not face unfair disadvantages.

The Uttarakhand government is under pressure to balance swift action against those responsible with maintaining fairness for honest candidates. Many residents and student groups are urging authorities to focus on systemic reforms rather than solely blaming a few individuals.

Wider concerns and political reactions

The paper leak has wider implications for recruitment and governance in Uttarakhand. Recruitment exams are crucial for filling public service positions, and any irregularities can undermine confidence in the government. Ensuring secure and fair examinations is therefore a top priority.

Political reactions have been mixed. The BJP, led by CM Dhami, emphasizes strict action against cheating groups, framing it as part of a larger fight against corrupt practices. Opposition parties, however, accuse the government of politicizing the issue and using divisive language to shift attention from administrative lapses.

The incident also highlights the role of coaching institutes and private intermediaries in exam preparation. While many institutes provide genuine guidance, others are accused of facilitating cheating and corruption. Experts say that monitoring such activities is challenging, especially when exams are conducted in multiple locations across the state.

Despite the controversy, the state government has promised a thorough investigation into the paper leak. Authorities are reviewing all security measures, including classroom arrangements, examiner protocols, and digital monitoring. The goal is to prevent any recurrence and ensure that future exams are conducted fairly.

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Meanwhile, candidates continue to demand clarity on how the authorities will address the impact of the leak on their results and future opportunities. Student organisations have called for a transparent investigation and strict penalties for all individuals involved in the cheating scandal.

The recent UKSSSC paper leak in Uttarakhand has triggered widespread protests, arrests, and political debate. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami called the incident “nakal jihad,” warning cheating and coaching mafias that the government would take strong action. While authorities have arrested individuals allegedly involved in sharing the exam paper, questions remain about security lapses and systemic flaws in the recruitment process.

Protesters and opposition leaders continue to demand accountability and reforms, while the government promises stricter measures to prevent future leaks. The incident highlights the need for transparent and secure examinations, balancing the enforcement of rules with fairness for candidates.