Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Bhopal/Gwalior, Dec 5: In a major step forward in the ongoing Vyapam investigation, the Special CBI Court (Vyapam Cases), Gwalior, on Thursday convicted Ranveer and Harvendra Singh Chouhan alias Parvendra Kumar, sentencing both to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for their role in the Police Constable Recruitment Examination, 2012 impersonation racket. Each convict has also been fined Rs 11,000, the CBI said in a statement.

Origins of the Case

The case stems from FIR No. 770/2012, registered on September 30, 2012 in Morena after the Centre Superintendent reported suspected impersonation during the Police Constable Exam. The complaint triggered an investigation into what appeared to be an organised malpractice network.

While state police initially chargesheeted Ranveer Singh and kept the probe open against Pravendra Kumar, the Supreme Court later transferred all Vyapam cases to the CBI, which formally took over this case on August 8, 2015.

CBI’s Investigation and Charges

The accused faced charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery under the Indian Penal Code, along with violations of the Madhya Pradesh Recognised Examination Act, 1937.

Following detailed investigation, the CBI filed:

• a supplementary chargesheet against Ranveer Singh on September 30, 2016, and
• another against Harvendra Singh Chouhan on September 29, 2017.

The probe revealed how the duo conspired to deploy impersonators in the exam, undermining the fairness and credibility of the police recruitment process.

Court’s Verdict

During the trial, the prosecution presented robust evidence establishing the guilt of both accused. After evaluating the material and arguments, the Special CBI Court found them guilty and awarded seven years’ rigorous imprisonment along with financial penalties.

Significance of the Conviction

The CBI stated that this judgment represents another milestone in its long-term efforts to bring perpetrators of the Vyapam scam to justice. The agency reiterated that examination fraud not only erodes public trust but damages the integrity of institutions responsible for selecting candidates for crucial public service roles.

By securing this conviction, the CBI reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability in cases that have shaken confidence in the recruitment system across Madhya Pradesh.