Police investigating a cyber crime involving the sale of purportedly “leaked” MP Civil Services Exam (Prelims) question papers were taken aback when the suspect turned out to be a class 10 student from Rajasthan. The student had learned fraudulent skills from YouTube and aimed to use the ill-gotten gains to buy expensive clothes, shoes, and meals at upscale restaurants.
Modus Operandi
The student, hailing from Jhunjhunu district, set up a channel on the social media platform Telegram, claiming to have access to the preliminary exam papers of the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC), which took place on June 23. He offered these papers for sale at Rs 2,500 each, providing a QR code for payment via UPI.
The Fraud
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tushar Singh explained that the scam involved blocking the buyer’s mobile number immediately after receiving payment, thus preventing any further communication. “As soon as a person made payment through this QR code in the lure of getting the state service exam papers, the student would block the mobile number of that buyer. In this method of cheating, the student cheated two to four candidates,” Singh said.
Motivations and Learning
The investigation revealed that the student did not possess any of the state service exam papers and had falsely claimed they were leaked. He admitted to learning online fraud techniques through YouTube and intended to use the money to purchase high-priced clothes, shoes, and dine at luxurious restaurants.
Legal Actions
The student has been served a notice under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and a detailed investigation into the cheating case is ongoing. Moreover, the student is also accused of attempting to sell fake National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) papers. This aspect of the case is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with assistance from Rajasthan Police.
Conclusion
This case highlights the vulnerability of students to online misinformation and the ease with which cyber crimes can be learned and executed. The authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud and prevent such incidents in the future.
