A candidate attempting to cheat using electronic devices and a spy camera was caught red-handed by a supervisor during the recruitment examination for the Raigad District Central Co-operative Bank. The accused identified as Akash Bhausingh Ghunavat (28), was apprehended at Father Agnel Technical College in Vashi on Saturday.
Ghunavat, a candidate from Jalna, used a spy camera and other electronic gadgets to access answers during the test. The supervisor at the examination center became suspicious and alerted the Vashi Police, who conducted a thorough inspection. The police discovered that Ghunavat had concealed a battery-like device inside a black cap and was wearing a wireless ear microphone. Additionally, he had hidden a Samsung smartphone to communicate with accomplices who provided him with answers during the exam.
“Preliminary inquiries revealed that Ghunavat was being assisted by one Rahul Thakur, who helped him cheat in the examination. Ghunavat was booked in 2023 as well when he leaked the MPSC question paper. We are looking out for the accomplices of Ghunavat,” a police officer from Vashi police station said. The Vashi Police have filed a case against Ghunavat and his accomplices under laws designed to prevent malpractice in university and other competitive exams. The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend others involved in the incident.
In further investigations into Ghunavat’s activities, it was found that he was involved in a similar case in April 2023, during the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination. Ghunavat and his accomplices used a spy camera to share the SET-B question paper with an accomplice outside the hall for the answers. Following an investigation by the MPSC, the CBD Police had registered a case in September 2023 against Ghunavat and two accomplices, Jeevan Naymane and Shankar Jarwal.
With evidence linking Ghunavat to multiple instances of malpractice, including the recent cheating attempt and the question paper leak, authorities are investigating to find if Ghunavat has a fixed chain of network who get involved in malpractices during the government exams.
A case against Ghunavat and Thakur was registered with VAshi police sections of BNS and The Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board, and other specified Examinations Act, 1982.
