Question papers for fourth-semester Biotechnology examination reportedly stolen from Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya; police register FIR and university launches inquiry

Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) has launched an internal inquiry after sealed packets containing question papers for the fourth-semester Biotechnology examination were allegedly stolen from the university campus, forcing authorities to postpone an examination scheduled for nearly 200 students.

According to university officials, the missing papers were kept inside nine sealed envelopes meant for the Biotechnology fourth-semester examination. The incident came to light before the examination on Friday, leading the university to defer the test at the last moment to prevent any possibility of a paper leak.

Following the incident, RGPV Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alok Sharma issued a show-cause notice to Exam Controller Dr. Archana Tiwari, seeking an explanation within five days regarding the security lapse. The university has also constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft and recommend accountability.

Police have registered an FIR and begun a criminal investigation into the case. Officers are examining whether the theft was carried out by outsiders or involved individuals with access to the university premises.

Broken washroom window raises security concerns

Preliminary findings suggest that while the main gate of the School of Biotechnology remained locked, investigators found a broken window in a washroom, which is suspected to have been used as the entry point by the intruders.

Officials said the room where the examination papers were stored contained 12 cupboards. Surprisingly, the cupboard containing the sealed question papers was found unlocked, while other security arrangements appeared to remain intact.

The incident has also exposed shortcomings in campus surveillance. According to the initial inquiry, no CCTV cameras were installed inside the strong room where the examination papers were kept, making it difficult to immediately identify the culprits or reconstruct the sequence of events.

University authorities believe the broken washroom window may have been used to gain access to the building, though investigators are examining all possible angles before reaching a conclusion.

University assures strict action

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alok Sharma stated that the university would take strict action against anyone found responsible for compromising the integrity of the examination process.

He confirmed that the internal inquiry team has begun collecting evidence while the police investigation is proceeding simultaneously. Officials are reviewing security protocols for the storage and handling of confidential examination material to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The postponed Biotechnology examination is expected to be rescheduled after fresh question papers are prepared and necessary security measures are implemented.

The case has once again raised concerns over examination security at higher educational institutions, with students urging authorities to ensure that such incidents do not affect academic schedules or compromise the credibility of university examinations.