In a shocking development in the HSC paper leak case, police investigation has revealed that the main accused, Sandeep Baburao Saratkar (46), allegedly leaked the question paper misusing an extra envelope provided to the examination centre. According to police, Saratkar, who is a teacher at Charandas Primary School and Director and Chairman of Vidya Sadhana Convent High School and Junior College in Jaitala, misused his position to carry out the paper leak. Officials said, Saratkar asked a Class IV employee of the same institution to assist in the act. The employee was the first person to access and leak the Class 12 question paper.

 

As per HSC Board rules, question papers are sent in sealed envelopes, each containing 25 papers. For every 25 envelopes, one additional envelope with 25 extra papers is also provided to the examination centre for emergency use. These envelopes are supposed to be opened only in front of students inside the classroom. However, police said, Saratkar illegally opened the extra envelope nearly 30 minutes before the exam began. He then allegedly used a peon’s WhatsApp account to send photos of the question paper to coaching class operators, allowing it to spread quickly among students.

 

In connection with the case, police have arrested eight accused, including Dinesh Kotangle (36), Pradeep Bhaiyalal Jangde (40), Principal of Vishakha Junior College, Manish Shambharkar (46), Mustafa Khan Munir Khan (42), Junaid Mohammed Abdul Javed (20), Nishikant Sukhdev Mul (40), and Farhan Akhtar Fahim Akhtar (18), a Class 12 student. The police are likely to submitt the chargesheet in the court within a week. Further investigation is underway.