Furore over paper leak in Karnataka

Violence broke out in front of the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) building as a section of agitated students started pelting stones, damaging glass windows, police said. 

According to police, the paper leak took place in two different locations in the state, a development that affected over 1.74 lakh PUC (Pre-university course) students. 

Earlier, the scheduled March 21 Chemistry exam was cancelled and rescheduled for March 31 after a II PU science student alerted the authorities about the question paper leak. After the student blew the lid off the paper leak, the state government had handed over the investigation to CID. 

Amid a surcharged atmosphere in front of the DPUE building, a parent went up to the terrace and threatened to jump, saying there are no officials present to listen to their plight. But he was persuaded against doing so and brought down. 

The issue also rocked the Assembly, where Opposition BJP members staged a dharna and raised slogans, demanding the resignation of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar. 

“The CID is investigating the matter and the government is very serious about it. They are finding out who the culprits are - whether they are insiders or outsiders,” Home Minister G Parameshawara told reporters. Raising their voice in protest against the re-examination for the second time, students refused to take another re-exam. 

Kimmane Ratnakar announced in the Assembly about re-scheduling PU II Chemistry (New Syllabus) examination for April 12, amidst protest by Opposition parties demanding his resignation over question paper leakage. 

After the House re-assembled after adjournament, on the final day of the Budget session, the Minister said that 30 officials and staff of examination wing were kept under suspension in connection with question paper leak and a three-member committee with top officials have been formed to find the loopholes and suggest preventive measures.