In a major crackdown against exam fraud, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) busted a sophisticated cheating racket during the SSC recruitment exam in Dehradun. Working with the Uttar Pradesh STF, they arrested two key individuals. They also seized advanced electronic equipment used to remotely solve papers for candidates.
How the Racket Was Uncovered
On February 13, 2026, the Staff Selection Commission held the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and Havaldar Recruitment Exam-2025 across India. The STF teams received confidential intelligence about a group promising to help candidates pass for large sums of money. These fraudsters used modern technology to interfere with the exam process.
The joint team immediately raided the Mahadev Digital Zone examination center at MKP Inter College in Dehradun. During inspection, they made a startling discovery. Inside the UPS room next to the exam lab, they found a hidden underground chamber. This concealed cavity, measuring roughly 24×24 inches, secretly operated two Dell laptops and a Digisol router. All equipment was running automatically.
Sophisticated Remote Access Operation
Initial investigations revealed someone controlled these devices remotely. The gang allegedly accessed candidates’ computer systems from a distance to help solve question papers. This method bypassed physical security and directly manipulated the exam process.
Arrests and Seizures
The STF apprehended two individuals in connection with the case:
- Nitish Kumar – From Deoria, currently living in Nagloi, Delhi
- Bhaskar Nathani – From Nathuwawala, Dehradun
During the raid, authorities recovered:
- Two Dell laptops
- Ethernet cables
- USB connectors
- A Digisol router
- A connecting box
- Four mobile phones
Candidates Paid ₹10 Lakh Each
Interrogation revealed the massive scale of their operation. The gang allegedly demanded approximately ₹10 lakh per candidate. They promised success in the competitive MTS and Havaldar exam through their technological setup.
Legal Action Initiated
Police have registered a case against both accused under:
- The Uttarakhand Competitive Examination Act
- Various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- The Information Technology Act
A senior officer now supervises the investigation. The STF continues searching for other gang members and conducting raids at possible hideouts.
Government’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
STF officials made their position clear. Under the state government’s strict anti-cheating policy, they will not tolerate any examination irregularities. One officer stated, “This action deals a major blow against the cheating mafia. It also sends a message that those misusing technology to influence exams will face strict consequences.”
Authorities have sealed the exam center. Forensic experts are now analyzing the seized equipment to trace the full network of operators and beneficiaries involved.
This breakthrough represents a significant victory for examination integrity in Uttarakhand. It also demonstrates how effective inter-state police cooperation can be against organized exam fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened in the Dehradun SSC exam cheating case?
On February 13, 2026, Uttarakhand and UP STF raided an exam center in Dehradun. They discovered an underground chamber with laptops and a router. The gang used these to remotely access candidates’ computers and solve their papers.
2. Who were the two arrested individuals?
Police arrested Nitish Kumar from Deoria (currently in Delhi) and Bhaskar Nathani from Nathuwawala, Dehradun.
3. How did the cheating racket operate?
The gang created a hidden underground chamber near the exam lab. They installed automated laptops and routers there. Then they remotely controlled these devices to access candidate systems and provide answers during the exam.
4. What items did authorities recover?
They recovered two Dell laptops, Ethernet cables, USB connectors, a Digisol router, a connecting box, and four mobile phones from the hidden chamber and the accused.
5. How much money did the gang charge?
According to STF interrogation, the gang demanded about ₹10 lakh per candidate. They promised exam success through their high-tech cheating method.
6. Which exam did this racket target?
The racket operated during the Staff Selection Commission Multi-Tasking Staff and Havaldar Recruitment Exam-2025 on February 13, 2026.
7. What legal actions have authorities taken?
Police registered a case under the Uttarakhand Competitive Examination Act, various Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, and the Information Technology Act. The investigation continues.
8. What is the investigation’s current status?
Senior officers now lead the investigation. The STF conducts raids at possible hideouts to arrest other gang members still at large.
9. Which agencies conducted this operation?
The Uttarakhand Special Task Force and the Uttar Pradesh STF jointly conducted the operation based on confidential intelligence.
10. What message have authorities given about exam cheating?
STF officials stated clearly that under the state government’s strict anti-cheating policy, they will not tolerate any examination irregularities. They promised strict action against those misusing technology to influence exam systems.
Conclusion
The Dehradun cheating racket bust marks a significant milestone against exam fraud in India. This incident reveals how organized gangs now use sophisticated technology to undermine examination integrity. These exams determine the careers of millions of young aspirants.
The joint operation by Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh STF shows how effective coordinated inter-state police efforts can be. The underground chamber with remotely operated devices demonstrates the extreme lengths these rackets will take. They exploit the system purely for financial gain.
For honest candidates who prepare tirelessly, this action brings justice and reassurance. It sends a clear message: examination authorities and law enforcement are determined to protect recruitment process integrity.
As the investigation continues, more links in this chain will likely emerge. We may discover a larger network operating across multiple states. Forensic analysis of seized equipment will provide crucial evidence. This will help identify both masterminds and beneficiary candidates.
This incident should wake up examination bodies. They must continuously upgrade security protocols against technology-enabled cheating. For aspirants, it reinforces the importance of ethical preparation. It also highlights the serious risks of taking illegal shortcuts.
Digiparvat will continue following this story and provide updates as the investigation progresses. We commend the STF for their vigilance and swift action. They have protected the interests of millions of honest job seekers across the country.
About the Author
