Endoscopic Camera Used to Copy Sealed Question Paper in Chhattisgarh University Exam Leak

An ongoing investigation into a BSc Agriculture question paper leak at Chhattisgarh’s Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) has revealed a highly unusual breach of examination security. Investigators discovered that the question paper was copied without opening its sealed envelope, using a miniature endoscopic camera inserted through a small incision.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed in the case, the miniature camera—a device typically used to view narrow, hard-to-reach areas inside the human body—was used to scan the contents of the question paper inside the sealed cover. The scanned contents were subsequently leaked to students before the examination commenced.

The Modus Operandi of the Leak

The police revealed the details of the operation during a press conference. Investigators believe the key suspect, Yogesh Sonkesariya, a professor at a private college in Durg, took the sealed Entomology question paper home. He then allegedly used a needle and another pointed tool to pierce the envelope, creating a tiny opening.

Through this small incision, Sonkesariya allegedly inserted an endoscopy camera, purchased for Rs 2,500, to record the questions inside the envelope. He then reconstructed the questions from the recorded video. The police stated that this method allowed the suspect to access the paper without leaving visible signs of tampering on the sealed packet.

The reconstructed questions were converted into images and copies, which were then sold and distributed to a student network. The leaked material was widely circulated on WhatsApp approximately two hours before the scheduled start of the Entomology examination.

Timeline and Discovery of the Leak

The leak came to light on August 20, when the question paper began circulating on WhatsApp shortly before the exam. The university administration compared the viral copy with the official question paper distributed at examination centres and confirmed that the contents matched.

According to the FIR, Kawardha Agriculture College received an email alerting them to the leak at 8:41 AM. University officials received similar information at approximately 8:54 AM. Students and their representatives also contacted the university after noticing portions of the paper circulating on social media.

Following the confirmation of the leak, the university cancelled the Entomology examination. The test, which was to be taken by approximately 1,200 students from 27 affiliated agriculture colleges, has been rescheduled for the first week of September.

Arrests and Police Investigation

Raipur Crime Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Smritik Rajnala announced that six individuals have been arrested so far. The arrested suspects include the prime suspect, Yogesh Sonkesariya, and five students who allegedly purchased the leaked question paper for Rs 12,000 each.

Raipur Police Commissioner Sanjeev Shukla formed an investigation team consisting of more than 100 personnel after a formal complaint was registered at the Telibandha police station. The FIR has been registered under the Chhattisgarh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2008, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Crime and cyber teams have been analyzing digital evidence, including screenshots, WhatsApp messages, social media posts, mobile numbers, contact lists, and location data, to trace the initial point of circulation. The police stated they identified the source of the leak within 36 hours of starting the probe and are currently searching for two additional suspects who are absconding.

Broader Investigation and Security Review

The investigation has expanded across multiple locations, with police teams operating in Raipur, Durg, Kawardha, Rajnandgaon, and Bilaspur. More than 16 people have been questioned so far. Investigators are working to reconstruct the entire distribution chain to determine who accessed the paper, who scanned it, and how it was transmitted to the final recipients.

The police are also investigating whether the arrested individuals are part of a larger network and if other examinations were compromised. Specifically, authorities are looking into claims that a first-year Plant Pathology paper, scheduled earlier in August, may have also been leaked.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed a strict and impartial investigation into the matter, emphasizing a policy of "zero tolerance" toward exam malpractice. The university has established a five-member committee to conduct an internal inquiry, while the state government has ordered a comprehensive review of question-paper security protocols, covering printing, storage, transportation, and custody at examination centres.