A major security breach struck the Rajeev Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) in Madhya Pradesh, after the fourth semester question papers for the Computer examination for students of the School of Biotechnology were stolen on Friday, the police reported on Saturday. Following the breach, the university cancelled the test and lodged a police complaint.

The incident, as per sources, came to light on Saturday after nine sealed envelopes containing question papers reportedly went missing from the university premises.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered in this regard at Bhopal’s Gandhinagar Police Station, and authorities have launched a probe into the incident.

Varsity postpones test

As per university officials, postgraduate students reached the campus at 11 am on Friday to take their fourth semester Computer examination. However, the university authorities told them that the test had been deferred without an immediate explanation.

A few hours later, the university confirmed that nine sealed envelopes containing confidential question papers had allegedly been stolen from the institute’s examination office before the exam could be held.

A senior police official, requesting not to be named, said that the theft appeared to have unfolded after someone gained entry through a window. He added, “Someone entered through the window and stole the envelopes before the exam began. The administration discovered the theft in the morning.”

Varsity seeks explanation from examination controller

In the aftermath of the incident, the university administration sought an explanation from the Controller of Examinations, questioning the apparent lapse in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the examination process.

The university released an official notice thereafter, underlining that the secrecy and safety of question papers was a key responsibility of the Controller of Examinations. It added that the incident had raised serious concerns over the management of university examinations and directed the officer concerned to submit a written explanation within three days of receiving the notice.

Student outfits demand accountability

Student bodies were quick to respond to the irregularity, with both the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) demanding strict action against the accused. Both the organisations have also announced plans to stage a protest on the university premises on Monday, seeking accountability for the alleged security lapse.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar criticised the BJP-led state government over the incident. In a post on social media, he alleged that the theft reflected growing failures within the administration.

He further termed the incident not merely the theft of question papers, but also the theft of students’ hard work, trust and future.