CBI Investigates Western Railway Promotion Exam Scam, Allegations of Bribery and Exam Manipulation Surface

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a major probe into an alleged corruption and examination fraud case linked to the Western Railway's departmental promotion examination for the post of Staff Welfare Inspector (SWI). The investigation has uncovered allegations of bribery, coaching on evading vigilance inquiries, financial irregularities, and possible manipulation of the computer-based examination system.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, candidates appearing for the departmental promotion examination allegedly attended coaching sessions where they were instructed not only on examination-related strategies but also on arranging funds for bribes and responding to potential vigilance investigations. These coaching sessions were reportedly conducted in commercial premises rented by the spouse of a senior Western Railway official, bringing the officer's family under the scanner.

Investigators believe the coaching extended beyond exam preparation. Candidates were allegedly informed about how cheating would be facilitated during the examination, the logistical support expected from railway personnel, and the steps they should follow if questioned by vigilance authorities after the examination.

The CBI investigation has also highlighted suspected financial irregularities involving a railway credit cooperative society. According to railway officials, candidates were allegedly encouraged to secure loans shortly before the examination to arrange money for illegal payments. An internal review reportedly found a sharp rise in loan disbursements in the weeks leading up to the promotion examination.

Officials suspect that these loans were used to pay bribes ranging between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh in exchange for promotions. Some candidates are believed to have paid between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh to secure favourable results in the departmental examination.

The case originated after the Western Railway Vigilance Department reported irregularities in the computer-based examination conducted on March 16, 2024. Out of 100 candidates, four railway employees achieved exceptionally high scores ranging from 87.67% to 90.33%, raising suspicion among vigilance officials.

During the investigation, the CBI reportedly traced financial transactions, including ATM withdrawals and fund transfers, made by these candidates around the examination period. All four high-scoring candidates had reportedly taken loans shortly before the examination.

Technical findings have further intensified the investigation. Officials discovered that the examination began nearly two hours later than scheduled and that the examination server remained active for more than two days after the test, violating standard operating procedures.

Investigators are also examining allegations that AnyDesk, a remote-access software application, was installed on the examination server, potentially allowing unauthorized remote access after the examination concluded. There are also claims that the server was subsequently formatted, raising concerns about possible destruction of digital evidence.

The CBI has additionally identified unexplained deposits in the bank accounts of certain railway officials connected with the examination process. Based on the findings so far, the agency has registered a case against several senior railway officials, technical personnel, clerical staff, and four promoted Staff Welfare Inspectors under charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The investigation is continuing as the agency seeks to determine the full extent of the alleged railway promotion scam and identify all individuals involved.