RAJNANDGAON/RAIPUR: The constable recruitment process in Rajnandgaon district has been postponed following allegations of serious irregularities. Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced the decision, though official orders from the headquarters are yet to be issued.

The controversy erupted after irregularities were exposed during the recruitment process, leading to an FIR and the arrest of seven individuals, including four constables, two employees of the Hyderabad-based Timing Technology Company, and a female candidate.

According to sources, discrepancies were uncovered in the physical test measurements conducted by Timing Technology’s equipment. Investigations revealed tampering in approximately 3,000 entries, allegedly orchestrated by on-duty constables in collusion with company employees. Although the company claimed to have rectified the errors, further flaws were detected. Despite these issues, the recruitment process had initially continued, relying on the company's assurances, until the matter escalated to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Home Minister Sharma.

The Lalbagh Police Station, which registered the initial complaint, has reported that one of the implicated constables committed suicide, adding another grim layer to the unfolding investigation. This constable reportedly pointed to the involvement of senior officers, prompting the police to expand their inquiry.

The controversy has raised broader concerns about the integrity of the ongoing constable recruitment across the state, as similar timing technology machines are being used in other divisions. However, neither the police department nor the government has announced a state-wide investigation.

Rajnandgaon SP Mohit Garg has refrained from confirming the suspension of the process, while Home Department Secretary Manoj Pingua stated that no official orders have been issued yet. Opposition party Congress has seized on the issue, demanding a comprehensive CBI probe into the entire recruitment process to ensure transparency and accountability.