According to the CBI, Utkarsh Chandrakar collected approximately ₹1.3 crore from candidates after they cleared the preliminary examination, promising access to the main examination question papers. The agency claims that 29 candidates were provided question papers for both the preliminary and main examinations through an organised network.

The investigation was ordered by the Chhattisgarh government through notifications dated February 16, 2024, and April 10, 2024, following allegations of large-scale irregularities in the State Service Examination 2021.

The chargesheet alleges that former CGPSC chairman Taman Sonwani and former secretary Jeevan Kishore Dhruv misused their official positions between 2020 and 2022 to ensure the selection of their sons, daughters, and close relatives. The preliminary examination was conducted on February 13, 2022, across multiple centres in Chhattisgarh.

Witness Statement Details Modus Operandi

A government witness, V. Chandrakar, told the court that his younger sister was preparing for the CGPSC examination. In 2021–22, a relative informed him that arrangements had been made to help her clear the exam through contacts with officials and political figures in Raipur.

He stated that he met the intermediaries at a petrol pump in Boriakala, Raipur, where Utkarsh Chandrakar was present. Utkarsh allegedly claimed that his maternal uncle K.K. Chandravanshi and another official, Chetan Bogharia, were serving as Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) to the Chief Minister and had direct access to senior officials, including the then CGPSC chairman.

The cost for ensuring selection was quoted at ₹50–60 lakh per candidate. When the witness refused due to the high amount, he was allegedly told that if he brought more candidates, his sister’s selection would be managed free of cost.

The witness claimed he subsequently persuaded eight candidates to participate and collected money from them, which was handed over to Utkarsh. Before the preliminary exam, candidates were allegedly taken to a location in DD Nagar, where they were provided with printed copies of the question paper and escorted to examination halls. All of them cleared the prelims.

Encouraged by the results, additional money was allegedly collected for the mains examination. The witness said Utkarsh later arranged accommodation in a lodge at Bar Nawapara and transportation by bus for the candidates. However, when further demands for money were refused, all candidates allegedly failed the mains examination.

The CBI continues to investigate the financial trail and the role of officials and intermediaries in the alleged recruitment scam.