A major paper leak scandal has surfaced in Nagpur, even as the Class 12 board examinations conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education are currently underway. The Physics and Chemistry question papers of the Science stream were allegedly circulated on a WhatsApp group before the scheduled examination time. The revelation has triggered concern among authorities and parents alike. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the matter, suspecting the involvement of an organised racket. Officials are examining digital evidence and questioning students to determine the source and scale of the breach.
The incident came to light at the St. Ursula Girls' High School & Junior College examination centre in the Sadar area on Thursday while the Chemistry exam was in progress. Invigilators grew suspicious after a female student repeatedly asked to use the washroom during the paper. Acting on their doubts, a female teacher conducted a search and recovered a smartphone from the student. On examining the device, authorities found that the Chemistry question paper had been shared on a WhatsApp group nearly an hour before the examination began, confirming the leak.
During further scrutiny of the mobile phone, police discovered a WhatsApp group comprising 15 students. On questioning, the students allegedly admitted that a teacher from a private coaching class in Nagpur had leaked the paper in exchange for money. The remaining 13 students in the group were appearing for the examination at various centres across the city. Based on a complaint filed by the centre head, the police have registered a case and intensified their probe. Investigators have also found preliminary evidence suggesting that the earlier Physics paper may have been leaked in a similar manner, pointing towards significant financial transactions behind the operation.