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18th “Statistics Day” celebrated with the theme “Use of Data for Decision-Making”, ministry launches eSankhyiki portal for easy access of data

In recognition of the notable contributions made by Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning, Government of India has designated June 29 every year, coinciding with his birth anniversary, as “Statistics Day” in the category of Special Days to be celebrated at the national level. The main objective of celebrating Statistics Day is creation of public awareness, especially among the younger generation, on the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for development of the country.

Since 2007, Statistics Day is celebrated every year with a theme of contemporary national importance. The theme for Statistics Day, 2024 is “Use of data for decision-making”. The concept of data driven decision making is important for making informed decisions in any field, and it is one of the pre-requisites for better understanding of statistical information, emanating from official statistics and for facilitating evidence-based decision making.

The main event of Statistics Day, 2024 was organized at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi. The Chief Guest, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman, 16th Finance Commission addressed the gathering. He narrated the role played by Prof. P.C.Mahalanobis in shaping the Indian Statistical System. He also urged that India should continue its data driven policy making in order to move along its development trajectory.  

Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman, National Statistical Commission and Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI also addressed the participants on this occasion. Chairman, NSC, emphasized the need to make the data more accessible and usable, and suggested that Ministry’s efforts on leveraging Information Technology for producing data needs to continue. He also stressed upon the need of the interoperability and linking of databases generated by various agencies through coordination among stakeholders. Secretary, MoSPI while addressing the audience highlighted the recent initiatives of the Ministry for reducing time-lag in survey data like Computer-Aided Personal Interview (CAPI), new surveys, user engagement exercise and the newly launched eSankhyiki portal. He hoped the spirit of Statistics Day will continue to inspire the statistical personnel and planners for data driven decision making.

Senior officers of Central Ministries/Departments, State/UT Governments, representatives of international organizations viz. UN agencies, World Bank, etc. and other stakeholders also participated in the event. The event was also web-cast/live streamed through the social media handles of the Ministry. On this occasion, the winners of ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition, 2024’ for Post- Graduate Students were also felicitated.

During the technical session, Dr. Ajay Kumar, ex-Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, addressed the gathering on the importance of data in governance. He highlighted the importance of data in the dynamically changing digital age and the increasing role and scope of MoSPI. This was followed by a presentation on global experience of using data for decision making by Mr. Luis Felipe Lopez-Calva, Global Director for the World Bank Group’s poverty and equity global practice.  He emphasized that data is an essential infrastructure for effective policy making, while sharing prevalent global practices.

Based on the updated Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework (SDGs- NIF), every year MoSPI releases the Progress Report on SDGs with time series data on Statistics Day (i.e., on 29th June) along with two handbooks which are derived from the progress report. Accordingly, following three reports were released during the event:

  1. Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024’
  2. ‘Data Snapshot on Sustainable Development Goals- National Indicator Framework, 2024’
  3. ‘Sustainable Development Goals- National Indicator Framework, 2024’

These reports can be accessed at the MoSPI’s website (www.mospi.gov.in). The time series data on the SDG indicators are downloadable in MS excel format from the report.

The Ministry launched an eSankhyiki portal with the objective to establish a comprehensive data management and sharing system for ease of dissemination of official statistics in the country. The portal can also be accessed through the website of MoSPI. It is to provide timely inputs for planners, policy-makers, researchers and the public at large. The eSankhyiki Portal has two sections facilitating easy access and re-use of data, namely:

  1. Data Catalogue: The catalogue lists the major data assets of the Ministry such as National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production, Annual Survey of Industries, Periodic Labour Force Survey and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey at one place.
  2. Macro Indicators: It offers time series data of key macro indicators with features for filtering and visualization. It also allows users to download custom datasets, visualizations and accessing them through APIs, thereby increasing the re-usability of data. At present, this section includes four major products of MoSPI: National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production, and Annual Survey of Industries, encompassing the data of last ten years.

  • PIB Report

‘Deliberately and intentionally evading just and relevant questions’: Arvind Kejriwal sent to 14 days of judicial custody in Delhi Liquor Policy scam after CBI said he is evading probe

On Saturday (29th June), Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court sent Delhi Chief Minister and AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the corruption charges in the Delhi Liquor Policy scam case. The vacation bench of Judge Sunena Sharma of Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order sending him to judicial custody till 12th July after the CBI didn’t seek further custody for interrogation.

Notably, during the hearing, the CBI did not ask for further police custody at this stage stating that he was deliberately and intentionally evading the just and relevant questions related to the case. 

Earlier, the CBI formally arrested Delhi CM Kejriwal on 26th June from the courtroom after the Vacation Judge of Delhi Court allowed the agency to examine/interrogate him in the courtroom so that the agency could proceed with his formal arrest. Subsequently, he was sent to 3 days of CBI custody in the Delhi excise policy case, colloquially known as the Delhi Liquor Policy scam case. 

It is pertinent to note that when the CBI arrested him, Kejriwal was already in judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). 

The CBI has filed four charge sheets in the case. While they have not named Kejriwal so far, they have named 17 accused in the charge sheets including Former Deputy CM of Delhi and Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha. 

According to the central agency, AAP received Rs 100 crore as kickbacks, and Rs 44.45 crore of this amount was transferred to Goa from June 2021 to January 2022 through ‘hawala channels’ for election campaign purposes.

Advocate DP Singh appeared for CBI while seeking direction to send Arvind Kejriwal into Judicial Custody and alleged that during the police custody remand, the accused Arvind Kejriwal been examined/ interrogated. However, he did not cooperate with the investigation and deliberately gave evasive replies contrary to the evidence on record.

On being confronted with the evidence, he did not give a proper and truthful explanation regarding the enhancement of the profit margin for wholesalers from 5 per cent to 12 per cent under the new Excise Policy of Delhi 2021-22, without any study or justification, said CBI.

He also could not explain as to why during the peak of 2nd wave of Covid, the Cabinet approval for a revised Excise Policy was obtained through circulation in a hurried manner within 01 day, when the accused persons of the South Group were camping in Delhi and holding meetings with his close associate Vijay Nair.

He evaded the questions regarding the meetings of his associate Vijay Nair with various stakeholders of the liquor business in Delhi and demanded illegal gratification from them for favorable provisions in the upcoming Excise Policy, CBI added. He also evaded questions regarding the transfer and utilization of ill-gotten money to the tune of Rs.44.54 crores in the Goa Assembly Elections by his party during 2021-22, said CBI.

In the light of aforesaid facts and circumstances, the further custodial interrogation of the accused Arvind Kejriwal is not required at this stage, said CBI. CBI alleged that he was deliberately and intentionally evading the just and relevant questions related to the case. He, being a prominent politician and Chief Minister of Delhi, is a very influential person, as such, there are credible reasons to believe that, he may influence the witnesses and evidence already exposed before him during the custodial interrogation and also the potential witnesses, who are yet to be examined, tamper with the evidence to be further collected and may hamper the ongoing investigation, CBI added.

(With Inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir: Mob attacks Police during anti-encroachment drive in Kathua, damages JCBs brought to demolish illegal Masjid, DSP and 5 others injured in stone pelting

On Saturday (29th June), tensions erupted in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. Police and local administration team which was part of an anti-encroachment drive, came under attack by a mob opposing the demolition of the illegal mosque. The mob resorted to stone pelting and injured six officers including a DSP. The miscreants also broke down the JCB machines which were brought to bulldoze the illegal Masjid. To bring the situation under control, the Police opened fire in the air. Subsequently, a large Police force was deployed in the area to avoid any untoward incidents from happening. 

According to reports, the incident unfolded when an anti-encroachment drive was to be carried out in the Kalyanpur Padri area located in Nagri tehsil of Hiranagar to bring down an illegal Masjid. Reportedly, the Masjid is built on government land. The news about the anti-encroachment drive soon started spreading. After some time, people from the Gujjar Bakarwal community gathered in large numbers near the spot. They staged a protest against the demolition of the illegal Masjid. Later, when the Police and anti-encroachment drive team arrived there, the protest turned violent and the mob attacked the administration officials, injuring many. 

As per reports, the mob resorted to stone pelting in which 6 Police personnel including a DSP rank officer suffered serious injuries. Injured in the mob attack, the Deputy SP received multiple stitches on his head. The miscreants part of the mob also vandalised and broke down the JCB which was brought there to demolish the illegal Masjid. Following the incident, Kathua SSP Anayat Ali also rushed to the spot. 

An officer, part of the anti-encroachment drive, said, “When they started their operation, people of a particular community attacked them. The police had to fire bullets in the air as a warning to control the worsening situation.” 

Following the attack, the injured officers were rushed to the district hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. 

Heavy police force was deployed in the area to restore peace and avoid any untoward incidents from happening. Officials said, “The purpose of deployment of additional police forces is to prevent the situation from worsening further and to ensure the safety of all the people.” 

They added, “Officials are taking this incident seriously and are trying to find a solution to this issue by keeping the situation under control.”

‘Won’t be able to escape for long’: Delhi BJP leader says after Atishi Marlena fails to appear in Court in defamation case

Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi minister Atishi Marlena has been summoned by a court in the national capital in relation to a defamation complaint submitted by Delhi BJP media chief Praveen Shankar Kapoor.

Atishi had been ordered to present herself in the court on 29th June but she joined the hearing through video conferencing.

The accusations made by Atishi, that BJP is trying to buy AAP MLAs, according to the BJP leader, hurt his and his party’s repute. The court named Atishi as an accused and mandated her appearance on 29th June after taking cognisance of the issue.

Praveen Shankar Kapoor stated, “Summons were sent by us and the court. Today one advocate of Atishi was physically present and the other was present in the hearing through video conferencing. The next date of hearing is 23rd July and I am hopeful that Atishi will not run away from justice and will be physically present in the court on that day. We and the court sent the summons to the same address. We later got to know that the court summons was not served but ours was. However, since her advocates appeared, it means that Atishi is very well aware of the case and the summons.”

He further added, “Our advocate has provided them with all the relevant documents. So, it is fixed that she will attend the court on 23rd July. The court advised our lawyer to present the court with the proper address. Atishi is a minister in the Delhi government and as per the record, her Mathura road address should be officially valid. It is mandatory in a defamation suit for the accused to be present in person in the court. She’ll have to come and won’t be able to escape the trial court for long.” The court observed that the summons was not served because the address was discovered to be inaccurate. The matter has been listed for hearing on 23rd July by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court

Delhi: Parents enter shop leaving two children in car, thief drives away and demands ₹50 lakh ransom, abandons vehicle with kids after police chase

Delhi Police on Friday foiled an attempt to steal a car with two children in it and demand ransom for their release within hours of the crime. The thief cum kidnapper was forced to abandon the car with the hostages after a large team of police vehicles chased him, and the children were rescued safely.

The incident took place in the Shankarpur area, and the stolen car was abandoned near Samaypur Badli Police Station. Giving information about the incident, Additional DCP East Avnish Kumar said that a family from Faridabad had arrived in Delhi, and the parents had gone into Hira Sweets in Laxmi Nagar near Vikas Marg to buy some sweets at around 11.40 pm on Friday.

They had parked their in front of the confectionery shop, and their two kids, aged three and eleven years old, were sitting in the car. The car was kept unlocked, and the engine was kept running to keep the AC on as the kids were inside the car. Taking advantage of this, the thief stole the car and drove away along with the children.

The mother’s phone was left in the car, and using this, the kidnapper called the father and demanded ₹50 lakh in ransom in exchange of release of the children.

The police were immediately informed, and the police formed multiple teams including police from ATS, ANS, Special Staff, and cops from multiple police stations in the area. “The parents had briefly gone inside Hira Sweets to buy sweets when the car was stolen. When they came back, their vehicle and children were missing. Later, they approached the police and lodged a complaint,” officials said.

Using technical surveillance and with the cooperation of other districts, the police teams located and chased the car. Around 20 police vehicles with around 50 police personnel were engaged in the chase. The parents also accompanied the cops in the chase. As a result, the thief stopped the car near Samaypur Badli and fled from the scene. The operation involving around 200-250 km chase took around 2-2.5 hours, DCP Avnish Kumar said.

While Samaypur Badli is around 30 km Shankarpur, the thief had gone towards Wazirabad – Ashok Vihar – Mukarba Chowk. But as police teams were alerted on the border, he took a turn and returned, and eventually abandoned the car at Samaypur Badli.

“The kidnapper was constantly changing their route. He reached Wazirabad via Ashok Nagar and then Outer North district. He realized that the police were chasing him, which is why he kept changing routes,” the police officer said.

The DCP said that two kids handled the situation bravely, and they were not harmed by the kidnapper. The kids said that the kidnapper had a sharp weapon and a hammer with him. “Both children are safe and have been reunited with their parents,” he said. The DCP added that some valuables, including jewellery and mobile phones, were found intact as the kidnapper fled under the pressure of being chased by the police. Efforts are on to nab the kidnapper, and police are scanning CCTV footage of the area for clues. DCP Avnish Kumar urged people to not leave children in vehicles unattended, and not leave cars unlocked.

Loyalty to Congress over self-respect? ‘Journalist’ Mausami Singh, who was publicly insulted by Rahul Gandhi, rationalises her humiliation

India Today Group journalist Mausami Singh jumped to the defence of Rahul Gandhi when he accused her of being a BJP spokesperson during a media interaction.

While talking to The Lallantop journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, she stated, “I was also surprised as to why Rahul Gandhi brought up BJP into this but there’s a history behind it. For the last ten years, his ecosystem believes that the Indian media has played a major role in hurting his image. Congress party also made similar claims. There was discrimination in order to build the brand Modi and demolish Rahul Gandhi’s reputation. It was very important for the saffron party. He is of the opinion that the media played an instrumental part in it. He was also asked about it in the briefing later and he clarified that he had no intention to hurt any reporter or cast aspersions on their professional integrity.”

She added, “However, he added that the media tycoons and the owners of these companies are answerable for the role they played. Therefore, he raises such questions in press conferences. However, he has talked with journalists and must have realised that you can’t shoot the messenger. You won’t gain anything from it. Now, he has returned as the Leader of the Opposition and he met me ten days later and acknowledged me as I was outside the parliament. He asked me ‘How are you?’ He feels that let bygones be bygones and this is not the way to talk to the reporters.

Saurabh Dwivedi had asked, “It’s okay to be aggressive but a journalist like Mausami Singh asks a question and it is labelled as briefed by the Bharatiya Janata Party. They can boast about attending press conferences but it is quite different from attacking the journalists and one doesn’t make the other right.”

The incident occurred earlier in June when Mausami Singh asked the Gandhi scion that the Opposition repeatedly demand JPC and disrupt multiple parliament sessions which led to a waste of public money.

An aggressive Rahul Gandhi humiliated Singh publicly and told her to wear a shirt with the BJP party symbol. This led to a heated argument between the two.

Tips and techniques for improving your Rummy gameplay

Rummy is a classic card game millions of players worldwide enjoy. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, mastering advanced strategies can significantly improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning. This comprehensive guide will explore various tips and techniques to help you enhance your rummy skills.

Basics of Rummy

Before diving into advanced strategies, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the basic rules of rummy. Rummy is usually played with two to six players using one or two standard decks of cards. The objective is to arrange your cards into valid sequences and sets.

  • Sequence: A sequence is a group of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. There are two types of sequences:
    • Pure Sequence: A sequence without a joker.
    • Impure Sequence: A sequence that includes a joker.
  • Set: A set is a group of three or four cards of the same rank but different suits.

The game begins with each player being dealt a specific number of cards. Players then take turns drawing and discarding cards, aiming to form valid sequences and sets. The game ends when a player successfully arranges all their cards and makes a valid declaration.

Advanced Strategies for Rummy Gameplay

Prioritize Pure Sequences

Pure sequences (formed without jokers) are essential for declaring (ending the game). Focus on building pure sequences early in the game to secure a winning position and avoid getting high-value penalty points.

Managing Your Hand

Efficiently managing your hand is crucial in rummy. Once you have a pure sequence, focus on creating an impure sequence and sets.

Using Jokers Wisely

Jokers are powerful cards in rummy that can be used to complete sequences and sets. However, using them wisely is important. It’s generally a good idea to use jokers to complete impure sequences or sets with high-value cards.

Discarding High-Value Cards

As mentioned earlier, holding onto high-value cards can be risky. If you have high-value cards not part of any sequence or set, discard them as soon as possible. This strategy reduces your points if an opponent declares before you can arrange your cards.

Observing and Analyzing Opponents

One key strategy in rummy is observing your opponents’ moves closely. Please pay attention to the cards they pick and discard. It can give you valuable insights into their strategies and the sequences or sets they are trying to form.

For example, suppose an opponent frequently picks cards of a particular suit. In that case, it indicates they are working on a sequence in that suit. Use this information to your advantage by holding onto cards they might need or discarding cards that are unlikely to be useful to them.

Bluffing

Bluffing is a psychological strategy that can be highly effective in rummy. Discarding cards that might mislead your opponents about your hand can create confusion and make it difficult for them to predict your moves. For example, discarding a card of a suit you are working on can make opponents think you are not interested in that suit.

Focusing on Middle Cards

Middle cards (5, 6, 7, and 8) are versatile and can be easily combined with other cards to form sequences. Prioritize collecting and holding onto middle cards, as they increase your chances of quickly forming sequences.

Keeping Track of Discarded Cards

Keeping track of the cards that have been discarded is a critical strategy in rummy. This helps you understand which cards are still in play and which are out of the game. Doing so lets you make informed decisions about which cards to keep and which to discard.

Calculating Probabilities

Rummy involves a significant element of probability. You can make more strategic decisions by calculating the probability of drawing specific cards. For example, if you need a particular card to complete a sequence, consider the number of cards left in the deck and whether it’s worth waiting for them or focusing on forming a different sequence.

Adapt to the Game Flow

A winning strategy is dynamic, adapting to the game’s flow and your opponents’ actions. Adjust your approach based on the cards being played and discarded. If a sequence seems difficult to make, focus on building sets instead.

Utilize Available Tools

Many online Rummy platforms offer tools like “sort” and “meld suggestions.” These features help you organize your hand efficiently and identify potential melds you might have overlooked.

Study Opponent Statistics

Some online platforms offer player statistics. Look for information like win rates and discarding habits to understand your opponents’ tendencies.

Advantages of Online Rummy

Playing rummy online offers several advantages over traditional offline gameplay. Online platforms provide a convenient and secure environment in which to enjoy the game. Here are some additional tips for playing online rummy:

Practice with Free Games

Play free games that allow you to practice and hone your skills without risking any money. Use these opportunities to experiment with different strategies and understand the game’s dynamics.

Participate in Tournaments

Online rummy platforms frequently host tournaments with attractive prizes. Participating in these tournaments can be a great way to test your skills against other experienced players and win cash rewards. Keep an eye on the tournament schedules and prepare accordingly.

Utilize Tutorials and Resources

Online rummy platforms provide tutorials and resources to help players improve their gameplay. Take advantage of these materials to learn advanced techniques and stay updated with the latest strategies.

Manage Your Bankroll

When playing rummy for real money, it’s essential to manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for your gaming sessions and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to take a break.

Stay Updated with Promotions

Online rummy platforms often run promotions and bonuses for their players. Stay updated with the latest offers to maximize your winnings and enhance your gaming experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Rummy

Even experienced rummy players can make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring Opponents’ Moves

Failing to observe and analyze your opponents’ moves can put you at a disadvantage. Always keep an eye on the cards your opponents pick and discard.

Holding onto High-Value Cards

If you lose, holding onto high-value cards for too long can increase your points. Discard them early to minimize your risk.

Over-Reliance on Jokers

While jokers are valuable, over-reliance on them can be damaging. Focus on forming pure sequences and use jokers strategically.

Poor Time Management

Effective time management is crucial in online rummy. Avoid taking too long to make decisions, as this can disrupt your focus and lead to mistakes.

Neglecting Practice

Rummy is a skill game that requires practice. Neglecting regular practice can lead to a decline in gameplay. Use free games to keep your skills sharp.

Conclusion

Mastering advanced strategies in rummy requires practice, observation, and a deep understanding of the game’s dynamics. By implementing the tips and techniques discussed in this guide, you can significantly improve your rummy gameplay and increase your chances of winning. Whether playing offline with friends or on an online rummy platform, these strategies will help you stay ahead of the competition and enjoy a more rewarding gaming experience.

Mukhtar Ansari’s goons still terrorising people in UP: Out-on-bail gang member takes out convoy with supporters, shares video on Instagram

Amidst Yogi Adityanath’s government’s stern policy of zero-tolerance against organised crime, criminals, and mafia Raj, gang members of Mukhtar Ansari recently attempted to undermine the rule of law in the state. As per reports, they recently took out a convoy through prominent streets of Lucknow to terrorise the state residents. Notably, the supporters of Abhishek Singh alias Babu, a henchman of Mukhtar Ansari gang who is out on bail, took out a convoy that started right outside the jail gate. 

The convoy included several dozens of vehicles that caused inconvenience to commuters and was seen as an act of challenging the rule of law in the state. Incidentally, Singh shared the video of the convoy on his Instagram post which started doing rounds on social media platforms on Friday (28th June).  

While the veracity of the video as well as its date is yet to be ascertained, Police took cognisance of the viral video and filed a case at the Gomtinagar extension police station. In the viral video, out-on-bail Abhishek was seen taking out a convoy of cars with his supporters and creating chaotic scenes on the prominent streets of the state capital. 

ADCP East Amit Kumawat stated that the viral video is from near the G-20 intersection. Based on the footage, a case has been registered in Gomtinagar extension police station and the Police have initiated a search operation to nab the accused. 

It is pertinent to note that in September 2020, the then Police Commissioner Sujit Pandey launched a campaign against the Mukhtar Ansari gang. They simultaneously raided around 42 places in which several gang members including Abhishek Singh alias Babu were arrested. He was arrested from Gomti Nagar Extension and the police had recovered bomb-making material and the keys of a bulletproof vehicle. They had also seized several vehicles from the accused. 

Subsequently, he was booked under the Gangster Act. Ansari’s henchman, Abhishek Singh alias Babu is accused in multiple cases and he once used to have a strong sway and terror in the Aliganj area in Lucknow. According to the Police, Abhishek is a member of the Mukhtar Ansari gang and he was involved in land grabbing and extortion. 

Ayodhya: Yogi Adityanath govt suspends Mohammed Shahid and 5 other engineers over water logging and road cave-ins

On Friday (28th June), the Yogi Adityanath-led-government in Uttar Pradesh suspended 6 engineers for negligence and dereliction of duty.

The development comes three days after waterlogging and road cave-ins were reported at several places on the newly constructed Rampath in Ayodhya.

The six government officials were identified as Dhruv Aggarwal, Anuj Deshwal and Prabhat Pandey, Anand Kumar Dubey, Rajendra Kumar Yadav (assistant engineer) and Mohammad Shahid.

While three of the engineers belonged to the Public Works Department (PwD), the others worked at the Jal Nigam. The suspensions were ordered in light of the poor construction work in Ram Path area, which connects the Lata Chowk with the Ram Mandir.

The Yogi Adityanath government along with PwD Minister AK Sharma had taken cognisance of road cave-ins at several locations in front of Krishna Palace Hotel on Ram Path and between Rikabganj and Post Office Crossing.

Besides, a notice has also been served to Ahmedabad-based Bhugan Infracon Pvt Ltd, which carried out civil construction work in Ayodhya.

NEET-UG paper leak: CBI arrests Prabhat Khabar journalist Jamaluddin Ansari, earlier school principal Ehsanul Haque and vice principal Imtiaz Alam were nabbed

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a journalist in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh and conducted searches at seven locations in Gujarat in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. The journalist who has been identified as Jamaluddin Ansari works for a Hindi newspaper ‘Prabhat Khabar’ and has been accused of assisting the principal and vice-principal of Oasis School, who were captured on 28th June. This is the agency’s fifth arrest in the matter after it took over the case from Bihar’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU).

Ehsanul Haque, the principal of Oasis School, was appointed the city coordinator of Hazaribagh for the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) medical entrance examination carried out on 5th May. Vice principal Imtiaz Alam was assigned as the centre coordinator and NTA observer at the institution. CBI traced two journalists who had connections with the principal and vice-principal, one of which has now been apprehended. Notably, the CBI is likely to arrest more accused in the case.

Two other people Manish Kumar and Ashutosh have already been nabbed. Ashutosh gave the students shelter at his house while Manish Kumar helped drive the students in his car and is suspected of providing the use of an abandoned school where at least twenty pupils were handed the leaked paper and memorized it. The pair were taken into custody after being summoned by the agency to be questioned on 27th June. Three candidates in Gujarat who had solicited help to clear the exam recorded their statements with the probe agency.

The Oasis School was the source of the paper leak, according to the CBI’s investigation. The questioned paper boxes were stored in banks and had two locks including a digital lock that was unlocked forty-five minutes prior to the exam and a manual lock that required a key. Furthermore, the agency has taken up the investigation in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar and filed six First Information Reports related to the matter. This includes five from the states where it took over the inquiry, as well as its own official complaint based on a reference from the Union Ministry of Education. Three cases in Rajasthan and one each in Gujarat and Bihar have been taken over by the investigation agency.

The first FIR by the central agency was lodged on 23rd June, one day after the ministry declared it would turn over the investigation into the anomalies in the exam’s administration to the CBI. The searches at seven locations in Gujarat are reportedly linked to the suspects in the paper leak case. The raids occurred at Godhra, Kheda, Ahmedabad and Anand. In addition to five further arrests made later, there are 13 accused in the case, including four examinees.

The EOU stated that the infamous Sanjeev Kumar also known as Lutan Mukhiya gang reportedly stole the “leaked” NEET-UG question paper from the Oasis School in Hazaribagh. It was reported that the investigators had verified the source of the leak by comparing a partially burned question paper that they had discovered in the Patna safe house with the reference question paper provided by the NTA. They added that the probe had also revealed that the Hazaribagh officials had not appropriately followed the established procedures for opening the question paper boxes.

Ehsanul Haque has insisted that the reason the question paper box could not be opened was that the computerized lock inside it, which was meant to open on its own, had broken. Afterwards, he alleged, that he got in touch with the NTA who requested that he open the box using a cutter.