Leaked Chem Paper in K’Taka Leads to Protests, Re-Exam on 12 April

36-37 chemistry question papers were leaked before the exam was to commence on 31 March in Karnataka.

Massive protests in Bangalore by students after chemistry paper leaked for the second time. (Photo: ANI Screengrab)

The chemistry paper for the second year pre-university course (PUC) was leaked in Karnataka on Thursday , resulting in the cancellation of the exam and triggering strong protests from parents and students. This is the second time in 10 days that the paper has been leaked.

We have cancelled the exam after police alerted us that the question paper was being circulated in Bengaluru and Tumkur. 

<b>Pallavi Akruthi, Pre-University Board Director</b>

Violence broke out in front of the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) building as a section of agitated students started pelting stones, damaging windows, the police said.

According to police, the question paper was leaked in two different locations in the state, which affected over 1.74 lakh PUC students.

The chemistry exam scheduled for 21 March was cancelled and rescheduled for 31 March after a second-year PUC science student alerted the authorities about the leak.

During the protest, a parent threatened to jump from the terrace of the DPUE building, saying there are no officials present to listen to their plight. But he was persuaded against doing so and was brought down.

A parent threatens to jump off a building. (Photo: ANI)

To make matters worse, a student fainted during the protest and was shifted to hospital, police said.

CID Investigations

After the student blew the lid off the paper leak, the state government had handed over the investigation to the CID.

Images of the paper being circulated via WhatsApp. (Photo: Bangalore Mirror)

According to the Bangalore Mirror, every student that received the WhatsApp forward will be questioned by the CID.

CID allegedly has details of students who received 36 out of 37 papers that were leaked. This will help them back-track to find the culprit.

The issue also rocked the Assembly, where BJP members staged a dharna and raised slogans, demanding the resignation of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar.

The CID is investigating the matter and the government is very serious about it. They are finding out who the culprits are – whether they are insiders or outsiders.&nbsp;

<b>G Parameshawara, Home Minister</b>

He said the matter is serious as it concerns the future of lakhs of students and added that once the CID submits its report, the government would not only take action against those guilty but will also take precautionary measures to avoid such things from happening in the future.

Re-Examination Re-Scheduled to 12 April

According to ANI, the re-examination will take place on 12 April.

Another part of the paper that has been leaked prior to the exam commencing. (Photo: Bangalore Mirror)

Students Refuse to Appear for Re-Examination

Students have refused to take another re-exam. Some students protesting questioned:

Why should we take another examination, and that too for the second time in 10 days? Why can’t the government take security measures to prevent such incidents from taking place?

Another student said they are under additional pressure as many of them are also preparing the upcoming competitive examinations.

We are tense as the board has once again cancelled the exam. Where do we have time to appear for competitive examinations?

<b>Student</b>

Image of part of the paper that has been leaked. (Photo: Bangalore Mirror)

CM Siddaramaiah Asked to Take Action

Karnataka BJP leader and Union Minister Ananth Kumar said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his government must take the blame and take strict measures against the culprits.

State BJP president and MP Prahlad Joshi demanded the dismissal of Primary and Secondary education minister Kimmane Ratnakar immediately.

Siddaramaiah, when alerted to the situation said:

I came to know that the chemistry question paper has been leaked. It has happened for the second time. We will take necessary action. The BJP is politicising it.

According to CNN-IBN, 6.5 lakh students are appearing for exams in this academic year.

(With inputs from PTI, IANS, other sources)