ED Arrests Former Chhattisgarh PSC Chairman in Examination Paper Leak Case

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Taman Singh Sonwani, former chairman of Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission, on charges of orchestrating examination paper leaks, rigging selection processes, and accepting illegal gratification from candidates. The arrest reveals systemic corruption within state PSC machinery, with Sonwani allegedly favoring relatives and candidates who paid bribes in exchange for leaked papers and favorable evaluations. This case exemplifies how examination paper leak networks operate at institutional levels with collusion from examination authority officials.

Sonwani's arrest follows pattern of similar investigations into NEET and other competitive examination leaks. The ED investigation uncovered evidence of: (1) Systematic paper leaking before examinations, (2) Preferential treatment for paying candidates, (3) Question paper distribution to relatives before official conduct, (4) Bribery amounts ranging across multiple candidates, (5) Coordination with external networks selling leaked papers. The investigation also suggests involvement of intermediaries who facilitated connections between candidates and Sonwani, creating an organized syndicate rather than isolated instances.

Operational details: (1) CGPSC conducted examinations for state administrative services recruitment affecting hundreds of aspirants, (2) Leaked papers allegedly used by Sonwani's relatives in subsequent examination attempts, (3) Bribe amounts documented through financial investigation, (4) Investigation ongoing to identify other network members and beneficiaries, (5) Similar patterns emerging in other state PSC examinations. The case demonstrates that paper leak problems extend beyond national examinations to state-level recruitment, affecting administrative service quality.

For competitive exams: Represents nexus between institutional authority and criminal networks. Relevant topics: (1) State PSC autonomy vs. accountability mechanisms, (2) Money laundering aspects (ED jurisdiction rationale), (3) Preventive measures in examination conduct, (4) Disciplinary vs. criminal accountability for officials. Mains angle: "Examine the role of institutional leaders in enabling examination fraud and suggest accountability mechanisms." Prelims focus: ED's investigative role, examination integrity frameworks, state PSC structure.