Nagpur: In a serious breach of examination security, the Class 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Chemistry and Physics question papers were allegedly circulated on WhatsApp prior to the scheduled exam at the St Ursula School centre in Sadar. An offence has been registered at Sadar Police Station, with officials terming it the first reported HSC paper leak case in the state this academic year.
According to preliminary findings, the Chemistry paper held on Thursday was shared in a WhatsApp group nearly an hour before the examination commenced. During subsequent inquiries, it also surfaced that the Physics paper had been leaked in a similar fashion earlier.
15-Member WhatsApp Group Identified
Police investigations uncovered a WhatsApp group comprising 15 students. Two girl students appearing at the St Ursula examination centre were found to be members. During questioning, the duo reportedly disclosed that a private coaching class teacher had provided the question paper in return for money.
The remaining 13 students, who were writing the Chemistry exam at different centres across Nagpur, are suspected to have accessed the leaked paper and answers through the group. Efforts are underway to trace and interrogate them.
Leak Exposed After Suspicious Movement During Exam
The incident came to light after one of the girl students repeatedly requested permission to visit the washroom during the examination. Her frequent exits raised suspicion among the supervisory staff. After she returned for the third time, a female teacher conducted a search and recovered a smartphone from her possession.
Examination of the device revealed that the Chemistry question paper, along with solved answers, had been shared on the WhatsApp group before the exam began.
The centre superintendent promptly informed Amol Deshmukh, who reached the spot with a police team and initiated an investigation.
Probe Into Wider Racket
Based on the students’ statements and digital evidence, Sadar police have registered a case against the alleged mastermind behind the leak. Investigators are now assessing the extent of circulation and the number of individuals involved in the operation.
Police officials have indicated the possibility of internal involvement from within the education department, hinting at a larger network facilitating the leak.
Authorities confirmed that both Chemistry and Physics papers of the Class 12 board examination were compromised at the St Ursula centre. The two students detained for questioning remain under scrutiny, while police continue to track down the other group members.
Senior officers stated that the investigation is ongoing and further disclosures are likely as the probe progresses.
