19 candidates caught using hidden devices in Gangtok exam centre, massive cheating racket suspected
In addition, two female candidates; Mamta Patel (24) and Saumya Dubey (24), both from Prayagraj were served notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023.
LOCAL
A major case of exam malpractice has come to light in Gangtok, Sikkim, where 19 candidates were caught using hidden communication devices during a recruitment exam conducted by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). The incident took place on May 18, 2025, at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, one of the examination centres in Gangtok.
The incident was first reported by an invigilator, Lakpa Tshering Bhutia, who noticed suspicious behaviour from a candidate named Amit Mishra. Mishra, appearing for the Junior Secretariat Assistant (JNV Cadre) exam in the morning shift, was found with a communication device deeply inserted in his ear. Upon further checking, a hidden gadget with a SIM card was also discovered concealed in his undergarments.
Following the report, Dr. Saroja Pradhan, Centre Superintendent, and Prem Das Chhetri, Deputy Superintendent of the Education Department, rushed to the centre. They conducted a full check of all candidates after the discovery, instructing male and female invigilators to thoroughly recheck examinees. As a result, 19 candidates were caught using similar electronic communication devices.
Most of these candidates reportedly belonged to the same distant state; Uttar Pradesh which raised further suspicion. The list of those arrested includes:
1. Amit Mishra (23), Prayagraj
2. Vipin Kumar (26), Prayagraj
3. Umesh Kumar (28), Sanda Barauna
4. Anand Kumar (20), Kaitwar Jagatpur
5. Hansraj (23), Kaitwar Jagatpur
6. Akash Pandey (20), Kaitwar Jagatpur
7. Harsh Vardhan (20), Prayagraj
8. Ankit Mishra (28), Ramnhag Allahabad
9. Alok Mishram (24), Prayagraj
10. Virendra Kumar (23), Kaitwar Jagatpur
11. Utkarsh Pandey (22), Prayagraj
12. Himanshu Shukla (26), Kaitwar Jagatpur
13. Abhinav Shukla (28), Kaitwar Jagatpur
14. Jitendra Kumar Gupta (26), Kaitwar Jagatpur
15. Krishnanand Kushwaha (26), Jagatpara
16. Ganesh Das (27), Mirzapur
17. Shivan Singh (24), Kaitwar Jagatpur
In addition, two female candidates; Mamta Patel (24) and Saumya Dubey (24), both from Prayagraj were served notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023.
The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including 318(2), 111(2)(b), 111(3), 112(2), and 61(2)(a), along with Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The Sadar Police Station has taken up the case under FIR No. 73/2025, and further investigation is underway.
Police are now looking into the possibility of a larger cheating racket, possibly involving high-tech equipment and coordination across state lines. Officials suspect this may be part of an organized attempt to fraudulently clear competitive exams using hidden technology.
In related enforcement activities, two individuals were detained under Section 35 of BNSS, 2023, and two vehicles were challaned under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 in Sadar. In Singtam, another vehicle was also challaned under the same Act.