Digital Decoity: 18 Arrested in Cheating Scandal at 515 Army Base Recruitment Exam; Citizens Demand CBI Probe
Bengaluru – In a major crackdown on recruitment fraud, the Halasuru police have arrested 18 candidates from Haryana for allegedly deploying a sophisticated network of electronic devices to cheat during the Army Group ‘C’ recruitment examination.
The revelation of the high-tech malpractice has triggered a wave of public concern. The Bangalore Citizens Alliance (BCA), a prominent local advocacy group, has formally urged the government to initiate a CBI probe into the incident. Citing the breach as a threat to the integrity of national defense recruitment, the Alliance stated that the complexity of the operation suggests a deeper conspiracy that necessitates a high-level investigation.
The arrests follow a high-stakes security operation at the 515 Army Base Workshop, where the examination for Lower Division Clerk (LDC) positions was conducted on February 8.
ब्लूटूथ के जरिए सेना परीक्षा में सेंध: बेंगलुरु के नागरिकों ने घेरा प्रशासन, घोटाले की CBI या न्यायिक जांच की अपील
The Modus Operandi
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Colonel S.S. Jyothirlingam, the Security Officer to the Commandant and Managing Director of the 515 Army Base Workshop, the candidates—all aged between 22 and 25—attempted to bypass military-grade security using hidden technology.
Investigators revealed that the suspects utilized Bluetooth devices networked to remote gadgets and mobile phones. While several candidates were caught red-handed with electronic devices on their person inside the exam hall, a secondary stash of equipment was uncovered outside. During a tactical sweep of the premises, officials seized 12 specialized communication devices and three mobile phones concealed in bags belonging to two candidates, identified as Aman and Rajat.
The Crackdown
The breach was detected by vigilant invigilators and Army officials during the course of the examination. The military command immediately alerted local law enforcement, leading to a swift intervention by the Halasuru police.
“We have registered an FIR for cheating and examination malpractice,” a senior police officer confirmed. “The intention was clear: to secure coveted government positions through unfair and illegal means. Following intensive questioning, all 18 suspects were formally placed under arrest on February 9.”
Investigation Widens
The scale of the recovery—including the networked nature of the Bluetooth devices—suggests a coordinated effort. Police are now investigating whether a larger organized “cheating syndicate” provided the technical infrastructure and leaked answers to the candidates from a remote location.
The 18 accused remain in police custody as forensic teams analyze the seized electronic devices to trace the digital footprint of the operation.
At a Glance:
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Target: Army Group ‘C’ (Civil Defence Employee) Recruitment.
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Location: 515 Army Base Workshop, Bengaluru.
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Arrests: 18 candidates (Aged 22–25, hailing from Haryana).
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Evidence: 12 communication devices, 3 mobile phones, and Bluetooth kits.
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Demands: Bangalore Citizens Alliance calls for CBI or Judicial Probe.
Further investigation is currently underway.
