A case of chip swapping and time manipulation during a field running test for police recruitment has come to light in the city. The Powai Police Station has registered two separate offences against four candidates in connection with the incident.
According to police sources, the complainant is serving as an Assistant Police Inspector. The Mumbai Police is currently conducting recruitment for the post of Police Constable. On Tuesday, the complainant was present at the Police Training Centre in Marol, where physical tests for candidates were underway.
The field test included 100-metre and 1600-metre running events. Each candidate was provided with a timing chip to be worn on the foot to electronically record performance. During the evening session, one candidate fell while running and was unable to complete the 100-metre race. The chip from his foot was removed, and he was sent to a hospital for medical treatment.
Later, a woman police constable on duty carried the score sheets to the server room. It was noticed that the system did not generate marks for the injured candidate after the 100-metre run. Upon questioning, the candidate reportedly admitted to swapping his chip.
Following this revelation, officials checked another candidate’s chip and found that it had been exchanged to help him secure 10 out of 15 marks in the 100-metre test.
Further irregularities were detected in the 1600-metre event. Two other candidates completed only three laps of 400 metres each instead of the mandatory four laps. While attempting the fourth lap, they allegedly took a shortcut outside the track. By scanning the chip and manipulating the recorded time, they attempted to mislead the authorities.
After the matter was reported, the Powai Police registered two separate cases against the four candidates. Further investigation is underway.