Teachers' recruitment scam: Two arrested on corruption charges

Police arrested two persons for allegedly demanding Rs 4.5 lakh from a woman candidate for getting her appointed as teacher. Ironically the event took place on Teachers’ Day itself in Chandigarh. The accused, Jolly and Hardev Singh, were arrested on the complaint registered by Kamalpreet Kaur at the UT Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Soon after the complaint has been made, UT Home Secretary-cum-Chief Vigilance Officer Ram Niwas saw to it that the mobile numbers of both the accused are kept under strict surveillance. This led to the recording of conversations made between the duo and Kamalpreet. As instructed by police officials, Kamalpreet made Jolly come to a coffee joint for handing over the deal money. The moment he accepted the money, Jolly, the son a retired Education department employee, got nabbed. On further questioning, he gave details about Hardev who was later arrested. Police sources revealed that telephone numbers of 500 eligible candidates were also recovered from Hardev’s possession. Both of them were produced before the court and were sent on police remand.

The arrest has made the police suspect the involvement of a few DPI (S) officers in the scam. Further probe is being done in this regard. However, senior police officers assured cent percent transparency in the departmental recruitment process. They added that the sealed results of the written examination, which is presently with the DEOAC will be opened only under thorough video surveillance. Moreover, marks secured by the candidates in the written exam, their academic record, experience and performance in the interview will all are considered for the final recruitment.