NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has constituted a special task force (STF) within its Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and other offences related to examinations, according to an official order.The move has been approved by the police commissioner under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act.According to a Delhi Police statement, the initiative is aimed at ensuring prompt, professional and comprehensive investigation into offences linked to recruitment and entrance examinations conducted by various central agencies.As per the order, the STF will investigate offences committed in examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs), Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) and National Testing Agency (NTA).The unit will also probe cases related to recruitment examinations conducted by ministries, departments and their attached and subordinate offices of the central government, as well as examinations conducted by any other authority notified by the central government from time to time, news agency PTI reported.The STF has further been tasked with maintaining close coordination with prosecuting agencies to ensure speedy prosecution and facilitate the day-to-day trial of cases arising under the Act, the order said.The unit will be headed by the deputy commissioner of the Crime Branch, while overall supervision and administrative control will rest with the special commissioner of the Crime Branch, according to PTI.The formation of the STF is part of efforts to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of paper leaks and other unfair means-related offences in major recruitment and entrance examinations, PTI reported.(With agency inputs)
