The recent leak of the B.Sc. Agriculture second-year Entomology question paper at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, has led to the arrest of six individuals, including a faculty member. The paper was reportedly circulated on social media approximately two hours prior to the scheduled examination on August 20, 2026. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation was conducted intensively, resulting in a breakthrough within 36 hours.

The examination, identified as AGCH-221 (Entomology), was planned for August 20 from 10 am to 1 pm across various agricultural colleges associated with the institution. The alarm was raised at 8:41 am when Kawardha Agriculture College received an email regarding the leak, triggering immediate notification to relevant officials shortly thereafter. Additionally, students alerted the university about the dissemination of examination content on WhatsApp.

A formal complaint was lodged at Telibandha Police Station by Dr NR Rangare, who is the Senior Scientist and oversees the Undergraduate Examination Cell at the university, prompting the police investigation.

Allegations Against a Faculty Member

Police investigations revealed that Professor Yogesh Sonkesariya, the main accused in the case, had been associated with Bharti Agriculture College in Durg since 2019. His duties included collecting question papers and submitting answer sheets for examinations. Allegedly, on August 17, Sonkesariya visited the College of Agriculture in Jora, Raipur, for official purposes but took the envelope containing the AGCH-221 question paper home, where he is said to have made a small incision in the envelope to video record the confidential content.

Using a mobile camera, he reportedly captured a video of the question paper, which was later shared with students for a fee. This irregularity has raised concerns regarding examination integrity and the accountability of educational professionals.

According to police reports, the content of the question paper was sold for Rs 11,000. The professor allegedly shared the leaked material with Ajay Nayak, a college student, who subsequently distributed it to others, contributing to its widespread circulation before the examination.

Law Enforcement Action and University Response

As the investigation gained traction following information about Anuj Minj, a resident of Durg, police launched a series of operations across multiple districts, including Kabirdham, Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and others. The efforts resulted in identifying and apprehending several suspects. The individuals arrested include those from various parts of the state, with police recovering Rs 11,000 in cash, mobile phones, a video recording device, and other tools associated with the leak.

As of now, two others implicated in the incident remain at large. The police are continuing their search to locate these individuals and uncover further details regarding their involvement in the matter.

In light of these developments, the university has cancelled the upcoming examination to maintain its integrity. Approximately 1,200 students, enrolled in 27 agricultural colleges, were affected by the cancellation. The examination is now slated for re-administration in the first week of September, following official complaints regarding the paper’s premature circulation.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold the credibility of the examination process, assuring that punitive measures will be enacted against those found compromising the integrity of academic assessments.

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