Faridkot/Punjab: Allegations of large-scale cheating have emerged in the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) recruitment examination for 454 Pharmacist (Pharmacy Officer) posts under Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Department. The exam, held today across centres in Faridkot, Kotkapura, and Ferozepur, drew around 7,000 candidates.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia highlighted the issue on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that around 30 candidates were detained for allegedly using concealed Bluetooth devices. He questioned the absence of signal jammers at the examination centres, asking who approved the security arrangements and demanding accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state government. Majithia further alleged a “complete silence” from the Punjab government and police, with no FIR registered so far, and suggested that a cheating network might be receiving protection. He called for a fresh examination to ensure fairness for Punjab’s youth.
Police Action and Details of the Racket. The Punjab Police acted swiftly and dismantled an inter-state cheating network during the exam. According to reports, 28 candidates were detained.
7 alleged kingpins/operators were arrested.27 battery-operated wireless cheating devices were recovered. The racket reportedly used hidden pen cameras to scan questions in real-time, transmitting them to a control room in Faridkot. Answers were then dictated via Bluetooth devices to candidates inside the halls. Police stated that candidates paid between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹13 lakh for the service, with some providing post-dated cheques as security. The operation involved individuals from Haryana, and a mastermind linked to a polytechnic college has been identified. Importantly, authorities have clarified no prior question paper leak occurred, and no university officials or government insiders appear to be involved so far.
An FIR is being registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act, with further investigations underway. Political Reactions and Demands Opposition leaders, including those from Congress and SAD, have amplified calls for a re-examination and the resignation of Health Minister Balbir Singh on moral grounds. Candidates and their supporters are demanding transparency and a level playing field.
The scandal has sparked widespread concern over the integrity of government recruitment processes in Punjab, especially amid high youth unemployment and competition for public sector jobs.This is a developing story. Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the investigation, potential re-examination, and measures to prevent future breaches.