The Central Bureau of Investigation has uncovered suspected fraud in bank recruitment examinations by rechecking iris scans and biometric records from earlier tests. The review identified 257 suspected candidates, including 172 people who were working in different banks.
The investigation followed an FIR registered on a complaint from the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. On 8 October, officials said the CBI's Special Task Branch in Mumbai conducted simultaneous raids in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal.
The agency has arrested 4 people so far and named 135 people as accused. Action has been taken across the 6 states, while the search for other suspected candidates continues nationwide.
How the suspected fraud was detected
IBPS rechecked graphs and biometric records collected during bank recruitment examinations. The review found differences between the candidates recorded in examination systems and the people who had appeared during parts of the recruitment process.
The investigation alleges that people appeared as candidates in examinations and interviews at several stages of the bank recruitment process. Iris scans recorded during examinations were compared with older records to identify links between suspected impersonation and people who later obtained bank jobs.
The review covered recruitment examination records from 2020 to 2024. In some cases, iris scans matched arrested suspects, while the records linked those identities to candidates who had secured employment in banks.
Employment and examination consequences
IBPS has permanently debarred the working candidates identified in the review, along with other suspected candidates, from taking its examinations. The concerned banks have also been directed to take strict action under their service rules.
The source material says the identified employees may face the loss of their jobs and possible arrest as the investigation and related action continue. In Madhya Pradesh, 19 rural bank employees have already been suspended following the investigation.
The use of older examination records allowed investigators to compare identity information collected at different points in the recruitment process. This extended review connected examination data with candidates who were later found working in banks.
Investigation across 6 states
The CBI action covers Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal. The raids and arrests form part of the investigation launched after the IBPS complaint and the resulting FIR.
The agency is continuing its search for other suspected cases across the country. The banks involved are expected to proceed under their own service rules against employees identified through the investigation.
Conclusion
The CBI's review of bank recruitment records from 2020 to 2024 identified 257 suspected candidates, including 172 bank employees. Four arrests have been made, 135 people have been named accused, and further action is continuing across 6 states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many suspected candidates were identified?
The investigation identified 257 suspected candidates.
Q. How many of those candidates were working in banks?
A total of 172 identified candidates were working in different banks.
Q. How many people has the CBI arrested?
The CBI has arrested 4 people so far.
Q. How many people have been named accused?
The investigation has named 135 people as accused.
Q. Which states were covered by the CBI action?
The action covered Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal.
Q. What records were checked?
Records from bank recruitment examinations held from 2020 to 2024 were rechecked using graphs, biometric information and iris scans.
Q. What action has IBPS taken?
IBPS has permanently debarred the identified working candidates and other suspected candidates from its examinations.
Q. What happened in Madhya Pradesh?
Following the investigation, 19 rural bank employees in Madhya Pradesh were suspended.
