Chandigarh Fireman Recruitment Faces Bribery Probe

Chandigarh  A significant cloud of uncertainty now hangs over the recruitment process for 249 fireman positions in Chandigarh, as a fresh investigation has revealed troubling allegations of corruption and malpractice. The recruitment drive, once seen as a transparent effort to boost emergency services in the region, is now under scrutiny for bribery and document fraud.

According to reports, biometric verification, handwriting samples, and signature checks are being carried out on several candidates as part of an inquiry into irregularities. The move comes after it was revealed during questioning that one candidate allegedly paid ₹10 lakh to secure his place in the selection list. This revelation has triggered a deeper probe, which could potentially affect the legitimacy of the entire recruitment process.

Sources close to the investigation suggest that multiple candidates are being scrutinized. Authorities are not only checking physical documentation but are also reviewing CCTV footage from exam centers and interacting with candidates to validate their identities. The initial findings have raised concerns that a nexus of middlemen and officials might have manipulated the selection process for personal gains.

Candidates who had prepared for months—if not years—for these fireman positions are now left in limbo. Many have expressed frustration and anxiety over the possibility that the entire recruitment could be cancelled. “I studied hard and appeared for every test honestly. Now I don’t know if my efforts will even count,” said one candidate, requesting anonymity.

Officials from the recruitment board are coordinating with local law enforcement and cyber teams to trace digital trails of communication between candidates and alleged agents. Bank transactions are also under the scanner to find proof of illegal payments. The seriousness of the issue has pushed the administration to consider a complete overhaul or re-conduct of the recruitment process if more irregularities are confirmed.

This case has also sparked a broader debate about the integrity of public recruitment in India, particularly in fire and police departments, which are critical to public safety. Experts warn that such incidents not only affect public trust but also endanger the effectiveness of emergency response systems by putting unqualified personnel in key roles.

While no arrests have been made yet, authorities have confirmed that the investigation is moving rapidly and any guilty parties—whether intermediaries, officials, or candidates—will be prosecuted. The government has also assured that genuine candidates will not be penalized unfairly, and only those found guilty of fraud will face disqualification.

For now, aspirants wait anxiously for clarity, hoping that justice will be swift and fair. As Chandigarh attempts to set an example, this case might well become a turning point in how public recruitments are conducted and monitored in the future.