Allegations of Defamation: Sumit Tiwari Claims Fake Posters Targeting Him

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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat

Allegations of Defamation: Sumit Tiwari Claims Fake Posters Targeting Him

Mumbai, August 21: The controversy surrounding the cancellation of the Jharkhand CGL exam continues to escalate. Sumit Kumar Tiwari, a selected candidate through the CGL, has alleged that a fake poster was created using AI to defame him. This poster, which linked his name to alleged irregularities, has gone viral on social media and WhatsApp groups without any substantial basis.

Tiwari has demanded a fair investigation into the matter. He stated that if any candidate has passed the exam through unfair means or is found to be involved in any irregularity, appropriate action should be taken against them. However, he believes it is unjust to label all selected candidates as guilty and cancel the entire exam without proper investigation.

He explained that the alleged poster was based on the posting orders of the BSO, where names of several individuals with similar surnames were identified and shared in WhatsApp groups. An AI-generated poster was then created, including his name. This poster not only circulated on social media but also made its way into national media.

Tiwari questioned the basis for including his name in such a poster. He emphasized that linking someone’s image or name to alleged misconduct without independent verification can severely damage their reputation and future. Following the release of the poster, the CID questioned him, allowing him to clarify his position over two days of interrogation.

He noted that on the day the CGL exam cancellation notice was issued, he was already responding to these allegations. The mental toll of having his name publicly associated with a supposed scam, despite his innocence, is significant. Tiwari clarified that his struggle is not against the protesting students. If the students were demanding the identification and punishment of a guilty party, he would stand with them. His opposition lies in the call to cancel the entire CGL exam. He believes the demand should be for an investigation, with action taken only against those found guilty.

He alleged that students were influenced by coaching institutes and others to create a movement aimed at canceling the entire exam. If some candidates are found guilty in the investigation, they should be removed, but what about those who were selected honestly?

Tiwari asserted that he never supports wrongdoing. After a fair investigation, action should be taken against the guilty, but it is not appropriate to view all selected candidates with suspicion before an investigation. He urged the government to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry before taking action against anyone.

Reflecting on his personal struggles, Tiwari shared that his father was murdered in 2023, and his family was attacked during that time, leaving them shattered. He spent nearly a month caring for his mother in the hospital. Balancing his studies and preparation for competitive exams amid such turmoil was incredibly challenging. It is painful to have his preparation and selection questioned without understanding his family’s situation.

He mentioned that during his preparation for the CGL exam, his mother was also unwell. He continued to study while caring for her, and despite the struggles, he passed the exam. He was fighting a legal battle regarding his father’s murder while also managing his mother’s care and preparing for competitive exams.

Tiwari expressed that despite these challenges, securing a job brought some stability to his family. Now, with the exam cancellation, they find themselves back in a state of uncertainty.

He stated that his job was not just a personal achievement but a foundation for stability for his entire family. If the entire exam is canceled, where will he and his family go? For someone who worked hard to pass the exam amid personal and family crises, having their selection revoked is a severe blow. If there are solid allegations against him, they should be investigated, and he should be given the opportunity to present his side.

Tiwari also questioned the nature of the protests. He stated that if the movement demanded an investigation into irregularities in the exam and the removal of guilty candidates, he would support it. However, the narrative of canceling the entire exam has been established. The allegations spread through fake posters and social media have reinforced this narrative. The goal of any movement should be justice, and justice should not mean punishing innocent individuals.

He concluded by stating that journalism should not merely accept one side’s claims based on crowd sentiment. The voices of those whose names and reputations have been affected must also be heard. If there are allegations against him, they should be investigated, but his image should not be tarnished based on a purported fake poster.

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