ED Recovers ₹32 Lakh Cash, Gold and Luxury Watches in Uttarakhand Exam Scam Probe
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Dehradun Sub-Zonal Office, conducted search operations at multiple locations in Dehradun on September 10, 2026, as part of its money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2016 Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari (VPDO) examination conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC).
The investigation stems from an FIR registered at the Vigilance Police Station in Dehradun, along with three additional FIRs related to the case. The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED searched the residential premises of the then UKSSSC chairman, secretary and examination controller, along with the owner of a private computer agency responsible for processing Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets. Premises linked to other individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy were also covered.
The search operation additionally included the residence of Chandan Singh Jeena, who is currently serving as a Personal Assistant to former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Singh Rawat. Jeena had previously served as Rawat’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) during his tenure as chief minister from 2014 to 2017.
According to the ED’s investigation, OMR answer sheets were allegedly removed from the UKSSSC’s secure custody and taken to the private residence of the commission’s then secretary. The roll numbers of answer sheets with incomplete markings were reportedly recorded and passed on to personnel associated with a private computer agency.
The agency alleges that these personnel were then instructed to fraudulently fill in or alter the answer bubbles before the sheets were resealed. The alleged manipulation was reportedly carried out in exchange for illegal payments routed through middlemen.
During the search of Jeena’s residence, the ED recovered ₹32 lakh in unaccounted cash, along with gold coins and chains weighing approximately 200.5 grams. The gold items included 13 coins and seven chains.
Investigators also found 12 luxury wristwatches from brands including Rolex, Rado, Piaget, Movado, Tissot and Casio Edifice. The value of these watches is being assessed separately.
The ED further froze bank accounts belonging to Jeena and his family members under Section 17(1A) of the PMLA, covering combined credit balances of ₹52,16,312. His mobile phone was also seized for forensic examination.
According to the agency, the investigation revealed substantial cash expenditure for which no satisfactory source had been established. The cash recovered, along with the expenditure identified during the investigation, was reportedly not supported by the income sources known to the agency.
The total value of assets seized and frozen at Jeena’s residence has been estimated at approximately ₹1.28 crore. The amount could increase once the value of the 12 luxury watches has been determined.
The ED also seized mobile phones belonging to other individuals whose premises were searched for forensic analysis. Unaccounted cash was reportedly recovered from several former UKSSSC officials and other associated persons, with amounts ranging from smaller sums to several lakhs of rupees. Gold jewellery was also recovered in some cases.
The investigation is ongoing as the ED examines the seized electronic devices, financial records and other evidence to establish the alleged money trail and identify the individuals involved in the examination irregularities.
News Source : Directorate of Enforcement (ED) – Official Press Release, Government of India
