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The unusual names prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: What began as a routine police recruitment result in Chhattisgarh quickly turned into an internet sensation after candidates with names such as ‘News’, ‘Space Rani’, ‘He Ram’, ‘Bhakt Prahlad’ and ‘Tufail’ appeared on the list of successful applicants, sparking disbelief, political allegations and eventually, a defence from the candidates themselves.The unusual names, which surfaced in the results of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission’s (CGPSC) preliminary examination for police recruitment, prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process.The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the names were genuine and matched the details submitted by candidates during registration.What really happenedThe controversy erupted after the results of the preliminary examination for 341 posts of subedar, sub-inspector and platoon commander were declared on August 4. A total of 7,301 candidates qualified for the mains examination.According to the CGPSC, the candidates had appeared for document verification, physical tests and the preliminary examination under the same names, which were also printed on their admit cards.Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel mocked the list after sharing it on X.”The Public Relations Department should spend Rs 1 crore daily on advertisements to display this achievement at public intersections so that, in the coming days, ‘Radio’ and ‘Space Raja’ might also succeed in some examination.”State Congress communication wing chief Sushil Anand Shukla accused the BJP government of failing to deliver transparent recruitment despite promising PSC examinations on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).He alleged that the names reflected the alleged “negligence” of the CGPSC and the state government and claimed that several recruitment and promotion examinations held over the past two-and-a-half years had come under suspicion.What the board saidRejecting the allegations, the CGPSC described the claims circulating on social media as “misleading and baseless” and said they unfairly ridiculed candidates over their names.”The names of the candidates displayed in the examination result are the same as those entered by them in their online application forms, which they finally submitted. The candidates appeared for document and physical tests as well as the preliminary examination under these names, and their names were also displayed accordingly on their admit cards,” it stated.The commission urged candidates and the public not to believe misinformation and rely only on information published on its official website.Several candidates clarifyAs the debate gathered pace online, several candidates clarified that the names attracting attention were the same as those recorded in their official documents.”My name is News Kumar Pradhan. My surname was not added to my Class 10 marksheet. My marksheets of Classes 10 and 12 and Aadhaar card carry the name News, without the surname. People think that the name is incorrect,” said News Kumar Pradhan, who qualified in the preliminary examination. He added that he is from Bhatanpali village in Raigarh district.Tufail, a 29-year-old candidate from Nayapara in Raipur district, said his name appeared the same in all official records.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”After the result was released, rumours are being spread about names such as Spacerani, News and Tufail without any information or facts. These are the names of students who have prepared for the examination for years,” he said.He appealed against spreading rumours and said such claims were hurting the morale of candidates from ordinary families.Another successful candidate, He Ram, said there was nothing unusual about the way his name was recorded.”My name is He Ram, and I have qualified the PSC preliminary examination. Some people are raising objections over my name. My surname is Kashyap, but it is not mentioned in any of my documents. Hence, I entered only my name while filling the form,” he told PTI.Bhakt Prahlad also clarified that his name was correctly recorded in all official documents.”My surname is not mentioned. Please do not spread confusion regarding my name,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. 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