Karnataka: Class 12 Chemistry paper leaked for 2nd time in 10 days; re-examination on April 12

In a second shock for students in 10 days, the Chemistry paper of Class XII leaked in Karnataka again on Thursday, prompting authorities to cancel the exam and suspend 40 officials. Hours before the rescheduled Chemistry exams was to begin, 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 Department of Pre-University Education (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.

Crestfallen students raised their voice in protest against the re-examination for the second time. "Why should we take another examination and that too for the second time in 10 days? Why cannot the government take security measures to prevent such incidents from taking place?" some students at the protest site asked. Another student said they are facing the added tension of appearing for the coming competitive examinations.

The re-examination will now be held on April 12, Ratnakar said in the Assembly, where BJP members trooped into the well shouting slogans, calling for his resignation. Ratnakar said the DGP CID has been requested to conduct speedy probe into the leak of both March 21 exam and today's re-examination question paper and find out the source behind it and punish those responsible.

Hitting out, Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said, "Is this government alive or dead?" and accused it of being "irresponsible" and playing with the lives of young students. "Are you aware of the pain and worry students and their parents are undergoing?" he said, adding "there is no other go; Kimmane Ratnakar has to take responsibility and resign." Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa also expressed displeasure about the paper leak. 

In his reply, Ratnakar said about 1,75,000 students appeared for the Chemistry paper and "as we got to know about the question paper leak, we decided to cancel the exam this morning." He said the CID has been asked to probe the matter and the Principal Secretary of the Education Department told to take action against those officials responsible.

Not happy with the Minister's reply, BJP MLA's trooped into the Well of the House and demanded Ratnakar's resignation, following which the Speaker adjourned the House and called for a meeting of floor leaders. As the House resumed, BJP members demanded that the Chief Minister give a statement and Ratnakar resign.

Amidst sloganeering, the Speaker directed the Minister to make his statement. After Ratnakar's statement, the Speaker asked the Ministers and Heads of Committees to lay the papers and reports mentioned against their name. Even as BJP members continued with their demand that the minister's resignation has to be announced, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die.