Raipur/Bhilai: Retired IAS officer Jeevan Kishor (J.K.) Dhruv, a former Secretary of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC), has once again come under the spotlight after investigative agencies conducted searches at his Bhilai residence in connection with the ongoing CGPSC recruitment scam investigation.
The searches are being linked to allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the CGPSC between 2020 and 2022. The case has emerged as one of the most high-profile recruitment controversies in Chhattisgarh, involving allegations of question paper leaks, manipulation of selection processes and favoritism toward relatives of influential individuals.
Searches Conducted at Bhilai Residence
According to reports, a team of investigators arrived at J.K. Dhruv’s residence in Sector-10, Bhilai, during the early hours of Wednesday and carried out an extensive search operation.
Security personnel were deployed outside the premises while officials examined documents and other materials. Authorities have not officially disclosed whether the operation was conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED) or Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
No formal statement had been issued regarding the searches at the time of reporting.
Who Is IAS Officer J.K. Dhruv?
Jeevan Kishor Dhruv, popularly known as J.K. Dhruv, is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre.
A promoted IAS officer, he entered the IAS from the State Civil Service and was inducted into the IAS in 2012.
Personal Background
- Full Name: Jeevan Kishor (J.K.) Dhruv
- Year of Birth: 1964
- Home State: Chhattisgarh
- Educational Qualification: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science
- Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Cadre: Chhattisgarh
- Induction Year: 2012 (Promoted from State Civil Service)
Administrative Career
Over his administrative career, J.K. Dhruv held several important assignments in district administration and state government institutions.
Secretary, Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission
One of his most significant assignments was serving as Secretary, Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC).
He assumed the position on September 21, 2020, and remained associated with the commission during the period now under investigation.
District Administration Roles
Dhruv also served in several district-level positions, including:
- Collector, Rajnandgaon
- Additional Collector, Balod
- Additional Collector, Khairagarh
Other Key Assignments
He additionally served as:
- Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Matikala Board
Throughout his career, he worked across multiple administrative sectors involving governance, district management and public service delivery.
CGPSC Recruitment Scam Allegations
The ongoing investigation concerns alleged irregularities in CGPSC recruitment examinations conducted between 2020 and 2022.
Investigating agencies are examining allegations that examination papers were leaked and that recruitment processes were manipulated to benefit relatives of influential bureaucrats, politicians and businesspersons.
According to the CBI’s investigation, former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani allegedly misused his position to provide undue benefits to relatives and close associates.
Investigators have also alleged financial irregularities involving CSR funds allegedly linked to the examination paper leak conspiracy.
Alleged Question Paper Leak Network
The CBI has alleged that former examination controller Aarti Vasanik and former deputy examination controller Lalit Ganvir played a role in facilitating the transfer of question papers to businessman Shravan Goyal.
According to the agency, the leaked papers allegedly reached Goyal’s son and daughter-in-law, both of whom were later selected as Deputy Collectors.
The chargesheet further claims that examination papers were printed by a Kolkata-based company and were allegedly copied at a private residence before being resealed and returned for printing.
Investigators continue to examine the alleged chain of events surrounding the recruitment process.
Allegations of Favoritism in Selections
The investigation has also focused on allegations that relatives of senior officials and influential individuals were selected for prestigious posts such as:
- Deputy Collector
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Other State Civil Service positions
According to the CBI, more than 13 candidates among the top 20 rank holders in the CGPSC 2021 merit list were allegedly related to senior bureaucrats, politicians or prominent businesspersons.
These allegations eventually resulted in legal challenges and a court-monitored investigation.
Court Proceedings Continue
The Chhattisgarh High Court recently rejected the second bail applications of certain accused persons connected with the case.
The court observed that the accused appeared to have played an active role in the alleged conspiracy and noted that the investigation remains ongoing.
The findings reinforced the seriousness of the allegations and highlighted the continuing nature of the probe.
Bharatmala Project Investigation
Apart from the CGPSC recruitment controversy, J.K. Dhruv’s name has also surfaced in discussions relating to alleged irregularities in land acquisition connected with the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor under the Bharatmala Project.
Investigators are examining allegations concerning land procurement and compensation-related irregularities. However, the matter remains under investigation and no final conclusions have been reached.
A Case Under Continued Investigation
The CGPSC recruitment scam remains one of the most closely watched corruption and recruitment investigations in Chhattisgarh.
With fresh searches being conducted and multiple agencies examining various aspects of the case, attention remains focused on former officials and individuals allegedly linked to the recruitment process.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to further scrutinize the alleged paper leak network, recruitment decisions and financial transactions associated with the case.
