Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The selection and recruitment wing of the Madhya Pradesh Police is verifying each candidate’s Aadhaar update history through their registered mobile phones, following a major fraud uncovered in the police constable recruitment exam.
The department recently busted a racket that provided solvers—imposters hired to appear in place of real candidates—to help pass the recruitment exam.
ADG (Selection and Recruitment) Sonali Mishra told Free Press that they are now closely verifying the Aadhaar update history of each candidate who is appearing for document verification and joining.
“In March, the final result for 7,490 candidates was declared. Out of this, the selection of 13% OBC reservation candidates is on hold, and the recruitment process is on for 6,446 candidates,” Mishra said.
Candidates are asked to submit their character certificate and Aadhaar update history during the joining process. This allows verification officers to detect changes in biometrics and photos uploaded during updates.
“If the biometric data and photos were updated just before and after the exam, and the image appears different or blurred, it becomes clear that manipulation has taken place,” Mishra explained.
However, she said that the department is also taking care to differentiate genuine cases of Aadhaar updates from fraudulent ones.
Phone change excuse
Many candidates, when asked about their Aadhaar updates, claimed they had changed their mobile handsets, which prompted the update. But the timing raised red flags.
“Why would someone preparing for such an important exam change phones just before and just after the exam?” questioned ADG Mishra.
“They know they need to keep their data intact.”
This pattern gave investigators clear indications of possible manipulation aimed at helping imposters appear in the exam.
SIT to take charge
Soon, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will take over the case from the district police, as the fraud appears to involve organised crime and accused from other states, sources at Police Headquarters (PHQ) said.Senior officials are currently brainstorming the best way to transfer the investigation to SIT, given the scale and complexity of the operation.
