Parmesh jain
Officials of the Criminal Investigation Department probing the impersonation case of police constables recruitment exams conducted last year found that the racket was being operated from two coaching centres from Gokak and Belagavi to help 21 candidates who had enrolled into the centre to clear exams through illegal means.
While the CID sleuths arrested four faculties from two coaching centres,the kingpin identified as Basavaraj Dundanahatti is on the run.
We have some clues on the accused and he will be arrested soon, Sara Fathima, AHTU (Anti Human trafficking Unit) Superintendent of Police,CID, heading the investigation,told media persons.
The CID officials have arrested four faculties of Ekalavya and Darideepa coaching centres managed by Bheemmappa Mahadeva Hulloli aka Bheemshi,Lakshmana uddappa Bandi,Laxman Muthappa Parannavar,Mallikarjun Yamunappa Babalannavar from Ekalavya coaching center and Darideepa coaching center in Gokak,Belagavi.
The accused were arrested for conspiracy in impersonation of candidates in the above-mentioned various police constable’s written and Physical (ET)examinations in return of receiving money ranging from Rs 3 to 5 lakh from each candidate.
The accused Bhimappa,a diploma graduate and pursuing BA,also worked part time at the coaching centre to teach mental ability.
Bhimappa also applied and attended the exam and also appeared as an impersonator to earn some money,the investigations revealed.
According to the CID officials the examinations were conducted for posts of Civil Police Constable for Civil and Reserve Forces across the state between September to November last year.
It is found that in these examinations some persons impersonated the original candidates and attended the examination.
Among the impersonators,the CID officials arrested five police constables who were caught red handed while writing exams on behalf of the candidates.
The accused constables have been dismissed from services pending criminal cases against them.
As many as 21 cases were registered in various Police Stations across the state including 11 cases in Bengaluru city,5 cases in Belagavi and each case in Ballari,Chitradurga,Yadagiri, Shivamogga and Hubli-Dharwad.
So far 61 accused persons were arrested and from them Rs.1 54,500 in cash,two cars,one computer hard disk,two pen-drives and 8 mobile phones were seized.
The modus-operandi in this cases is applicants original Aadhaar card was morphed with the photo of the impersonator and attended the examination
The CID officials also found the role of Veeresh Digital studio and other cyber centers in Gokak, and also other cyber centers in different districts and legal action would be initiated against them.
All the 21 candidates who are involved in the above malpractice are debarred and measures taken to ensure that they cannot write any future examinations.
As part of foolproof measures steps are being taken to match the photo identity of candidates from time of applying for the examination till they get the final orders along with the fingerprint to prevent any such malpractices in future recruitment process says a official release by CID.
Finally DGP,CID,PS Sandhu,ADGP CID,Umesh Kumar appreciated,SP,Saraha Fathima and her whole team who has done a painstaking investigation in nabbing the impersonators for the exemplary and commendable job done by them a suitable reward will be given to the team he added.
