All RRB exams are postponed

In the wake of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) unearthing a massive recruitment scam, the Railways has postponed the written examinations by all the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) scheduled on June 27. These exams were to be held for the posts of enquiry-cum-reservation clerks and goods guards.

The Railway board has begun a technical audit into the examinations conducted by the various RRBs, including the assistant loco-pilot and assistant station master exams conducted by the Mumbai RRB.

Meanwhile, the CBI still awaits the nod from the Centre to arrest the Mumbai RRB chairman, Mr S.M. Sharma, amidst reports that his house in Mumbai is locked up.

A senior CBI official said, “We have sought the permission for Mr Sharma’s arrest as he is a joint-secretary rank official. As per the Section 6 of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, we need the permission.”

CBI officials said they have no information about Mr Sharma’s house being locked up. The CBI is probing further into the scam, which, it has turned out, is a “family enterprise” of two top Railways officials — Mr S.M. Sharma and the Raipur additional divisional railway manager, Mr Arun Kumar Jagannadham.

Hunt is on for other accused including agents and sub-agents. CBI teams, which left for various parts of the country, are brining four suspects who were picked up for questioning. Four of the accused — Mr Vivek Bhardwaj, Mr Sharma’s son, Mr A.K. Jagannadham, his son, Mr Srujan and Mr Murthy — have applied for bail.

Meanwhile, Railway officials stated that Mr Sharma has been placed under suspension with immediate effect, until further orders.