THE CBI on Tuesday conducted searches at 36 locations in connection with alleged irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir sub-inspector posts’ recruitment test in which some aspirants had allegedly coughed up Rs 20-30 lakh for accessing the question paper before the examination, officials said. The searches were spread across Jammu, Srinagar, Karnal, Mahendergarh, Rewari, Gandhidham, Delhi, Ghaziabad and Bengaluru, they said. During the operations, searches took place at the premises of former chairman of JKSSB Khalid Jahangir and the then controller of examination of JKSSB Ashok Kumar among others, they said.

 

The CBI teams also raided alleged gang members based in Haryana, teachers, retired officials of Jammu and Kashmir and CRPF during which the agency recovered “incriminating documents” and digital evidences, agency spokesperson said. “Investigation has revealed the alleged payment of Rs 20 to 30 lakh (approx) by willing candidates and their families to the accused for accessing the question paper before commencement of the examination. “In this regard, involvement of a gang domiciled in Haryana, certain teachers of Jammu and Kashmir, some serving/retired personnel of CRPF, J and K Police and JKSSB has allegedly come to light,” CBI spokesperson said. CBI officials also searched the residence of a chartered accountant Ajay Kumar Aron in Rewari. This is second round of searches conducted by the CBI in connection with its probe into alleged irregularities after registration of FIR on August 3.