ORDER :

1. This Criminal Petition is filed by the petitioners/A2 to A4 to quash the proceedings in C.C.No.766 of 2016 on the file of XI Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at Secunderabad.

2. A complaint was filed by the defacto complainant/2nd respondent namely Amitabh Rathi who was the Lieutenant Colonel, Administrative Office for Commandant, 1-EME Centre, 3 Tr Battalion workshop shed, Hyderabad. A common entrance examination was organized on 26.07.2015. During examination, A1 was found using unfair means while writing examination. On enquiry, it was observed that there was involvement of the petitioners/ A2 to A4 in the malpractice. Basing on the complaint, crime was registered vide Crime No.72 of 2015 under Section 420 r/ 34 of IPC and Sections 4, 5 & 8 of A.P. Public Examinations (Prevention of Malpractices and Unfair Means) Act, 1997 (for short ‘the Act of 1997’).

The investigation revealed that A1 and these petitioners/A2 to A4 were preparing for writing common entrance which was scheduled on 26.07.2015. 1st petitioner/A2 used his previous contacts with one VP Singh, who has leaked answers for the Tech and GD tests being conducted on the said date in advance through mobile