Authorities have uncovered a fraudulent scheme involving remote access to examination systems at testing centers, orchestrated by a group including students from esteemed institutions such as IIT and DTU. The operation was centered around a flat located in Dwarka.
Police have apprehended a 28-year-old individual named Harsh Vardhan in connection with the case. Residing in Patna, Bihar, Harsh was allegedly managing the operation from an apartment in the Happy Homes complex in Dwarka. He reportedly recruited students from well-known universities, misleading them into believing they were being hired as “problem-solvers” for various coaching examinations and test papers. Depending on their academic backgrounds and capabilities, these students were promised compensation ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per question.
According to police reports, the syndicate was reportedly assisting candidates with an IT lab exam in Jodhpur, which is part of the entrance assessment for the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai. Authorities indicated that at least 27 students, including five from IIT-Roorkee, were involved.
Harsh possessed the admit cards of the candidates, while his associate, Pranjal, was responsible for recruiting the students under the guise of helping them solve questions for educational platforms like Byju’s and Doubtnut. The accused utilized applications such as Any Admin and Ammy Desk to remotely access the systems of the original candidates.
A senior officer remarked, “Preliminary investigations have uncovered a sophisticated operation engaged in impersonation, remote system access, and outsourcing answers.” An FIR has been lodged under appropriate sections of the BNS.
The investigation initiated following a tip-off about suspicious activities within the Dwarka building. A police team executed a raid at the location, discovering several young individuals whose identities were verified. Their subsequent questioning revealed the extent of the operation.
Many of those found at the flat claimed ignorance of the broader conspiracy. Investigations have indicated that the students were sourced from various states, including Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Further inquiries are ongoing as authorities work to identify additional members of the syndicate. Police anticipate more arrests may occur as they analyze digital evidence and financial records associated with the operation.
