Uttar Pradesh Exam Fraud Exposed: Impersonator Caught Red-Handed in Prayagraj PET

In a dramatic turn of events underscoring the persistent battle against exam fraud, authorities in Prayagraj apprehended an impersonator attempting to take the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2023 on behalf of another candidate. The incident, which unfolded during the morning shift on Sunday at the Mary Lucas School and College examination centre, has once again cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities within India's highly competitive recruitment processes.

The alleged impersonator, identified as Deepak Kumar Prajapati, was caught red-handed while attempting to clear the crucial PET 2023 examination for Deepak Patel.

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) conducts the PET as a mandatory prerequisite for aspirants seeking various Group C and D government jobs across the state. This makes success in the exam a gateway to stable employment for countless young individuals, unfortunately also attracting unscrupulous elements.

Vigilant examination officials, led by the centre superintendent Arun Kumar Srivastav, grew suspicious when discrepancies arose during the routine verification process.

A noticeable mismatch between Prajapati's signature and the photograph on the admit card, purportedly belonging to Deepak Patel, raised immediate red flags. This initial doubt prompted a deeper investigation, including the crucial step of biometric verification.

The biometric scans definitively exposed the deception: the fingerprints did not match those on record for the legitimate candidate, Deepak Patel.

Confronted with irrefutable evidence, Prajapati's façade crumbled, and he was immediately taken into custody. The quick action by the invigilators and the centre superintendent prevented a serious breach of exam integrity.

Following the confirmation of impersonation, an FIR was promptly lodged against Deepak Kumar Prajapati and the actual candidate, Deepak Patel, at the Colonelganj police station.

They have been booked under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, specifically 419 (cheating by personation) and 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). Prajapati is currently undergoing interrogation, where authorities hope to uncover the full extent of this cheating racket, including whether it's an isolated incident or part of a larger, organized scheme.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by examination bodies in ensuring fairness and transparency.

Despite increasingly sophisticated security measures, fraudsters continue to devise new methods to circumvent the system. The successful apprehension in Prayagraj, however, sends a strong message that such attempts will be met with swift and decisive action, upholding the sanctity of public examinations.