BCom papers may have leaked from varsity's campus: Probe

Mumbai: Initial findings in the BCom paper leak case at the University of Mumbai point to a breach within its own campus, with question papers allegedly accessed at the Institute of Open and Distance Learning by temporary staff. Even as an internal inquiry gathers pace, a university-appointed committee is now overseeing the remaining examinations to prevent further lapses during the ongoing summer session.

The leaks surfaced during the TY BCom Semester 6 examinations, with papers of three subjects - cost accounting, business economics and taxation - allegedly circulating on a WhatsApp group linked to a private coaching class in the western suburbs.

Sources said that both question papers and answer keys were shared ahead of the exams, raising concerns over the integrity of the process. The summer examinations began on April 9. On April 15, during the Direct and Indirect Taxes Paper 2 exam, a flying squad conducted checks at R D National College, where six students were found carrying mobile phones, which were confiscated.

A source who heads a coaching class said, "The paper leak is viral. Almost every student had the question paper in advance." Late Tuesday, the university had issued a brief statement confirming that an inquiry was underway.

"We want to inform that we have started taking strict action against some of the guilty. Yet, further investigation is on. If anyone is found guilty, appropriate action will be taken," said university officials, adding that the process would remain confidential.

However, nearly a week since reports of the leak emerged, the university has neither filed a police complaint nor clarified its next course of action, prompting protests by student bodies.

On Wednesday, Yuva Sena Senate members met Ajay Bhamare, the university's pro vice-chancellor, questioning the delay in initiating criminal proceedings. Bhamare responded saying action had begun and results would be visible as early as "today." "We have demanded a criminal case be registered and strict action be taken against the officers and staff responsible for the paper leak," said senate member Pradeep Sawant.