Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a preliminary enquiry (PE) into the alleged leak of the papers of the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier II exam held on February 17th and February 21st. Preliminary enquiry is done to assess whether the allegation has enough prima facie material to register an FIR.

A CBI official confirmed on Wednesday that, “A PE has been registered following a reference from the government in this regard.”

In the meantime, parliamentary panel has asked the CBI to maintain the ‘sanctity’ of the examination process while conducting the investigation, reports Hindustan Times.

On March 5th, the Commission had recommended a CBI inquiry into the alleged leak. The centre accepted the recommendation and ordered a CBI inquiry on the same day.

Candidates have been protesting outside the SSC office in New Delhi since February 21st claiming that CGL 2017 Tier II papers have been leaked on social media. Initially, the Commission had dismissed their claims stating the protests were‘instigated by coaching institutes with vested interests’.

The protest has received widespread support from various political parties. Delhi BJP MP Manoj Tiwari met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on March 4thto demand a CBI probe. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also tweeted in support of the candidates’ demand. Furthermore, Swaraj India Party President Yogendra Yadav demanded that SSC suspend all examinations under process until the CBI finishes its probe.