Published Dec 16, 2024 | 5:09 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 16, 2024 | 5:09 PM
Kerala crime branch to investigate question paper leak in SSLC and class 11 exams(iStock)
The Kerala Crime Branch has been assigned to investigate the recent leak of question papers for the SSLC (Class 10) and Class 11 half-yearly Christmas examinations in state schools.
This move follows a formal complaint from the Director General of Education, with State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb instructing Crime Branch Chief H Venkatesh to lead the probe.
The leak of the Class 10 English and Class 11 Mathematics question papers, which surfaced on YouTube prior to the exams, has raised serious concerns within the education sector. This incident follows similar leaks during the Onam examinations, which prompted a detailed inquiry by Kerala Police.
In response to the issue, Education Minister V Sivankutty condemned the leaks and announced that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
The minister also called for a high-level meeting of the Education Department on Monday, 16 December, to discuss solutions and preventive measures.
Sivankutty further warned of stringent penalties for those found guilty, including those operating YouTube channels that shared the leaked papers. He reiterated a ban on private tuition by teachers, stressing that violators would face severe consequences.
Additionally, the General Education Department has launched an internal investigation to determine if any teachers or officials were complicit in the leak. The ongoing probe aims to identify the source of the breach and prevent future incidents from undermining the integrity of the examination process.
This is not the first time Kerala has faced questions over the security of its public examination system. Reports indicate that certain YouTube channels have been involved in leaking question papers during the past three quarterly exams.
One such channel, based in Koduvalli, had gained notoriety after successfully predicting questions for the Christmas exams last year.
Despite multiple complaints from officials, including one from the Deputy Director of Education in Kozhikode, the Education Department did not initiate an investigation until this latest breach.
The Kozhikode Deputy Director filed a police complaint against the channel, which reportedly operated an online platform involving both serving and retired education department employees. The channel, which had gained significant traction for its accurate predictions, was shut down amid the leak allegations.
Despite the alleged involvement of multiple Youtube channels, reports confirm that a complaint has been registered against channel MS Solutions.
The YouTube channel is also under scrutiny for allegedly incorporating sexually offensive references in its online educational content targeted at high school and higher secondary students.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
