The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into allegations of nepotism in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment process during the Congress government’s tenure.
The investigation focuses on former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani, former secretary Jeevan Kishore Dhruv, and an examination controller. They are accused of manipulating the 2022 CGPSC exam results to ensure their family members and acquaintances were appointed to lucrative positions like deputy collectors and deputy SPs.
The CBI has searched the residences of Sonwani, Dhruv, and others in Raipur and Bhilai. The investigation is based on a reference from the Chhattisgarh government, replacing an earlier investigation by the state police.
The complaint alleges that the recruitment process benefited family members of high-ranking officials and politicians, including Sonwani’s own relatives. The list of beneficiaries includes relatives of the Chhattisgarh Governor’s secretary, a Bastar Naxal Operations DIG, and several Congress leaders.
The complaint further alleges that Sonwani violated rules by selecting his family members and relatives of other officials, despite the requirement for officials to recuse themselves from the process when their relatives are involved. It is alleged that Sonwani provided advance access to the examination paper to favored candidates.
This investigation follows the BJP’s victory over the Congress in the 2023 Chhattisgarh assembly elections.
