Vypam scam: Dummy candidate among two get 3-year RI for forgery

Indore: In the first verdict in the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board or 'Vyapam' scam, two persons were on Saturday awarded with three years of rigorous imprisonment by a local court for cheating and forgery during an entrance examination conducted in 2013.

Special Additional Sessions Judge, DK Mittal, also imposed a fine of Rs 500 on each of the convicts identified as Akshat Singh Rajawat (25) and Prakash Baria (28).

According to prosecution, Rajawat, a resident of Rajasthan's Bhilwara, had impersonated Baria, who hails from Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh, in examination centre where the entrance test for diploma course in veterinary sciences was organised on May 19, 2013.

The court found the duo guilty under sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and under relevant sections of MP Recognised Examination Act.

A total of 11 witnesses deposed during the trial, said Additional Public Prosecutor Prabhulal Malviya.

He said Rajawat's cover was blown after the concerned invigilator noticed the discrepancy between the photo pasted on the admission card and that of the actual candidate Baria.

The duo were subsequently booked by police after the forgery came to light.