SSC paper leak case: CBI questions Sify COO

New Delhi : Staff Selection Commission (SSC) candidates shout slogans during a protest outside the commission's office, later some of the candidates, shaves their heads as a mark of protest outside the commission's office, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: Shanker Chakravarty

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday quizzed C.R. Rao, the chief operating officer and India head of Sify Technologies, days after it registered a case against 17 persons, including 10 company employees, in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) paper leak case.

According to the agency, Mr. Rao was examined in connection with the FIR lodged to probe the leak of SSC Graduate-Level (Tier-II) examination papers. The company has not been named as an accused. The tests were held from February 17 to 22.

“The enquiry revealed that SSC started online CGL examinations since 2016... for online examination, SSC executed an agreement with Sify Technologies Limited on April 12, 2016,” a CBI official had earlier said.

Under the agreement, the company had to conduct the computer-mode examinations. It was responsible for identification and preparation of test centres; ; capturing biometric data and photograph of candidates; and monitoring and recording candidates’ activities at each venue through CCTV surveillance.

However, the agency found that answer keys of at least seven test papers were leaked.

However, the CBI found, the computers used by some candidates were remotely accessed and they received assistance in answering the questions.