Kerala minister files complaint over fake Onam exam paper claims

The Kerala General Education Minister's office has lodged a complaint with the state police chief against social media channels that are allegedly misleading students with false claims about Onam examination question papers. The minister's private secretary submitted the complaint on Sunday, seeking immediate action against channels on Instagram and YouTube that promise to provide the question paper or claim that only certain questions will be asked.

The Hindu reports that the Kerala Police have initiated a preliminary probe into these online tutorial channels, which are accused of exploiting examination anxiety to expand their subscription base. The Crime Branch may be asked to investigate, and police are verifying whether any errant teachers involved in setting the papers are behind the racket. Officials said the channels could be part of a wider data-harvesting operation, collecting personal information such as emails and credit card details.

An estimated 40 lakh students from Class I to higher secondary are taking the Onam examinations, which conclude on August 20. The government warned students and parents against falling for such claims and said strict action would be taken. If violations of the IT Act or the Public Examinations Act are found, offenders could face up to ten years in prison and significant fines.