In a major crackdown on examination malpractice, Halasuru police in Bengaluru have arrested 18 candidates for allegedly cheating during an Army Group ‘C’ recruitment examination by using electronic devices.
The arrests were made on Sunday at the 515 Army Base Workshop in Halasuru, where a direct recruitment written examination for Group ‘C’ posts of Lower Division Clerk (LDC) under Civil Defence Employment Recruitment (2025–26) was being conducted on February 8. The exam took place between 10 am and 12 noon.
According to the police, the case came to light following a complaint filed by Colonel SS Jyotirlingam, Security Officer to the Commandant and Managing Director of the 515 Army Base Workshop. During the examination, invigilators noticed suspicious behaviour, including candidates whispering to one another, which prompted closer scrutiny.
Investigations revealed that the accused candidates allegedly photographed the question paper immediately after receiving it and shared the images with accomplices outside the examination centre via WhatsApp. The answers were then relayed back to the candidates through Bluetooth devices concealed on their persons during the test.
A search led to the recovery of multiple electronic gadgets, including three mobile phones, 12 Bluetooth devices and other accessories. Some of the devices were found in bags kept outside the examination hall, particularly those belonging to two of the accused.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Surender, Sandeep, Monty, Anuj, Ajay Kumar, Sumit, Rahul, Aman, Ankit, Vikas, Yogesh, Aman Redu, Rajat, Vinay, Aman Kumar, Manish and Prashant. Police said all the accused are natives of Haryana.
All 18 candidates have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in facilitating the cheating racket, including those who provided answers from outside the examination centre.
