Karnataka: Class 12 Chemistry paper leaked for second time in 10 days

In a second shock for students in 10 days, the Chemistry paper of Class 12th  leaked in Karnataka again on Thursday, prompting authorities to cancel the exam and suspend 40 officials.

Hours before the rescheduled Chemistry exam was to begin, the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) was alerted about the leak in two locations in the state, a development that affected over 1.74 lakh students.

In a surcharged atmosphere, agitated parents and students gathered in front of the DPUE building as a section of protesters pelted stones, damaging glass windows, police said.

As the issue rocked the Assembly with the Opposition BJP members gunning for his resignation, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmanne Rathnakar announced suspension of 40 officers and other staff in the Pre-University Department.

Earlier, the March 21 Chemistry exam was cancelled and rescheduled for March 31 after a II PU science student blew the lid off the paper leak, with government handing over the investigation to CID.

A tense situation prevailed in front of the DPUE building, as a parent went upto 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.

Another student fainted during the protest and was shifted to hospital, police said.

“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.