Clamour for CBI probe after involvement of political bigwigs in Bihar paper leak scandal

PATNA: The demand for a CBI probe is picking up momentum after alleged involvement of many ministers and legislators in the Bihar exam paper leak scandal.

Bihar shot into infamy after leaked question papers of a competitive examination conducted by the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) went viral in the social media well before the test was to start.

Hindustani Awam Morcha president Jitan Ram Manjhi is of the view that only a CBI probe will bring out the truth since many political bigwigs are involved in the scandal.

“The Patna High Court or the Supreme Court must take cognizance of the indent and order a high-level investigation. And, if they fail, the Centre should intervene into the matter,” Manjhi whose party is an ally of the NDA told the media today.

Manjhi also alleged the arrested BSSC secretary has been made the scapegoat since he comes from the dalit class. “The real culprits are some others,” he said.

The BJP too has made similar demand.  “We want a CBI probe into the entire matter to let the truth out. There are reports of seven ministers, 29 legislators and nine IAS officers having been involved in the paper leak scandal.” Bihar opposition leader Prem Kumar of the BJP said.

The Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) which is headed by Pappu Yadav also has pressed for a CBI probe.

“Only a CBI probe could bring out the truth given the fact that scores of ministers, legislators and top bureaucrats are involved in the scandal,” said state JAP president Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha.

So far, the state government has arrested the BSSC secretary Parmeshwar Ram and also cancelled the examination after reports of large-scale irregularities.

In another relate development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the scandal also quizzed the BSSC chairman Sudhir Kumar for over an hour on Friday. Reports are that he may be interrogated again.

“The SIT is investigating the case in an impartial manner and we hope to reach the root of the scandal very soon,” Patna’s senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaj said.