Lucknow: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a man accused of attempting to cheat candidates by falsely claiming to provide the question paper for the upcoming Sub-Inspector recruitment examination through social media platforms.
According to an official press note issued by the STF headquarters in Lucknow, the accused—identified as Ayush Baghel, son of Manoj Baghel—was apprehended on March 13, 2026, from Engineers Colony under New Agra police station limits in Agra.
Fraud Attempt Through Telegram Channels
Investigations revealed that Baghel had created and operated several Telegram channels to deceive aspirants appearing for the UP Police Sub-Inspector Direct Recruitment Examination 2025. These channels were allegedly named:
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UP SI UP POLICE-2026
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RESULT PANEL PVT TM
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UP SI EXAM PAPER UP SI-2026
Through these platforms, he circulated messages claiming to provide the examination question paper in advance in exchange for money. Authorities said the accused used manipulated PDF files that appeared authentic to convince candidates that the paper had been leaked.
Modus Operandi
During interrogation, Baghel reportedly confessed that he, along with associates, created groups and Telegram channels to attract candidates. A partial or edited PDF of an exam paper—containing only questions and options—was circulated to build credibility.
Once candidates believed the material to be genuine, they were asked to transfer money through UPI IDs or QR codes. The accused allegedly collected lakhs of rupees from aspirants under the pretext of providing the full question paper. Payments were routed through multiple bank accounts obtained from different individuals in exchange for commissions, and a portion of the funds was converted into online wallet coupons.
Vigilance by STF and Recruitment Board
The fraud attempt came to light after continuous monitoring by the social media cell of the UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board in coordination with the STF. Authorities had been keeping watch on online platforms to prevent malpractice and ensure the integrity of the recruitment examination.
Following the detection of suspicious activity, an FIR (Case No. 21/2026) was registered at Hussain Ganj police station in Lucknow under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Ordinance 2024, and the Information Technology Act.
Arrest and Seizure
Based on intelligence inputs, an STF team led by Sub-Inspector Narendra Singh, Sub-Inspector Nitin Yadav, and other personnel conducted the operation in Agra and arrested the accused. A mobile phone allegedly used in the operation of the Telegram channels was recovered from him.
Investigation Continues
Officials stated that further investigation is underway to identify other individuals involved in the network and to determine whether more candidates were targeted through the online scam. Authorities are also examining digital evidence retrieved from the accused’s devices.
The police have urged aspirants not to trust any claims regarding leaked examination papers and to report suspicious messages on social media immediately.
Officials reiterated that strict surveillance of online platforms will continue to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming recruitment examination.
