Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday demanded a CBI probe into alleged incidents of paper leak in police and other recruitment examinations in Uttar Pradesh.

In a social media post, she said the Congress had introduced recruitment legislation in the state in which provisions were made to stop paper leaks and corruption in recruitment.

“In view of the paper leak crisis, we demand that there should be a CBI inquiry into both the recent paper leak incidents and strict action should be taken against the culprits. An examination calendar should be issued in which the dates of advertisement, examination, appointment are recorded and strict action should be taken if it is violated.

“Social justice observers should be appointed to prevent corruption in reservation along with recruitment. To restore the confidence of the youth, all examination forms should be made free. Youth should be provided free buses and trains to appear for the exams,” Gandhi said on ‘X’.

Her comments come amidst widespread protests in Lucknow and Prayagraj over the paper leak incidents.

Thousands of students demonstrated in Lucknow’s Eco Garden on Friday, alleging paper leak in the constable recruitment examination conducted by Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment. They raised slogans against the recruitment board and demanded re-examination.

Heavy police force, including PAC, was present at the protest site.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board had recently asked the candidates to provide proof regarding the leaking of question papers of the written examination. In this regard, candidates can send their representation along with proofs and evidence to the board’s e-mail ID by 6 pm on Friday, after examining which further action will be taken in the interest of the candidates.

An internal inquiry committee has been formed under the chairmanship of ADG/member secretary to investigate the claims of question paper leak and other errors in the examination.

A large number of candidates also demonstrated at the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) gate in Prayagraj over the issue of rigging and paper leak in the RO-ARO recruitment examination.