NEET-UG Paper Leak: CBI Nabs Two More Accused, Unravels Web of Conspiracy

In a significant breakthrough in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) - NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two more individuals accused of being involved in the scandal. Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Bokaro in Jharkhand, and Raju Singh, a resident of Hazaribagh, were taken into custody by the CBI on Tuesday.

Pankaj Kumar, a key accused, is believed to have stolen the question paper from a trunk belonging to the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) office in Hazaribagh. Singh, on the other hand, is accused of helping Kumar in his nefarious activities. The CBI had been investigating the case and had gathered crucial evidence from the premises of Oasis School in Hazaribagh, where the paper leak was allegedly orchestrated.

The investigation agency had earlier arrested four individuals from Hazaribagh, including Oasis School principal Ahsanul Haque, vice-principal Imtiaz Alam, and a local journalist Jamaludin. Two teachers from the school were also summoned to Patna for questioning, but were later released after their statements were recorded. The CBI had also questioned employees of Blue Dart Courier, who delivered the question paper to the State Bank of India branch in Hazaribagh, and an e-rickshaw driver who had transported the paper from the courier office to the SBI branch.

The CBI is conducting the probe after the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) handed over the case, which has now resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals. The agency had achieved a major breakthrough on July 11 by arresting Rakesh Rajan alias Rocky, a resident of Nalanda district in Bihar, who is alleged to have made arrangements for individuals to solve the question paper after it was leaked. Rocky is a trusted associate of Sanjeev Mukhiya, believed to be the mastermind behind the paper leak. Rocky had arranged for MBBS students from Patna and Ranchi to solve the question paper.

Before arresting Rocky, the CBI had raided his house in Gajendra Bigha village in Nalanda on June 30, 2024. On July 12, the Patna High Court granted the CBI custody of 13 individuals who were previously arrested by the Patna Police.

The NEET-UG paper leak case has sent shockwaves among students preparing for competitive exams, and the CBI’s efforts to unravel the web of conspiracy are a welcome step towards ensuring the integrity of the examination process. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for students to remain vigilant and not fall prey to such scams.

Historical Context:

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. The NEET-UG is a crucial examination for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. The examination is conducted annually, and the results are used to determine the eligibility of students for admission to medical colleges across the country.

The NEET-UG paper leak case is not an isolated incident. In the past, there have been several instances of examination paper leaks in India, which have led to widespread protests and calls for reforms in the examination system. The NEET-UG paper leak is particularly significant as it involves a high-stakes examination that affects the future of thousands of students.

In recent years, there have been concerns about the integrity of the examination system in India, with allegations of corruption and malpractices being reported. The NEET-UG paper leak is a stark reminder of the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the integrity of the examination process.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The CBI has arrested two more individuals, Pankaj Kumar and Raju Singh, in connection with the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. • Pankaj Kumar is believed to have stolen the question paper from the NTA’s office in Hazaribagh, while Raju Singh is accused of helping Kumar in his nefarious activities. • The CBI had earlier arrested four individuals from Oasis School in Hazaribagh, including the principal, vice-principal, and a local journalist. • The investigation agency had also questioned employees of Blue Dart Courier and an e-rickshaw driver who transported the paper from the courier office to the State Bank of India branch. • The CBI has arrested 14 individuals in connection with the case, including Rakesh Rajan alias Rocky, who is alleged to have made arrangements for individuals to solve the question paper after it was leaked. • The agency had raided Rocky’s house on June 30, 2024, and arrested him on July 11. • The Patna High Court granted the CBI custody of 13 individuals who were previously arrested by the Patna Police on July 12. • The NEET-UG paper leak case has sent shockwaves among students preparing for competitive exams, and the CBI’s efforts to unravel the web of conspiracy are a welcome step towards ensuring the integrity of the examination process. • The investigation continues, and it is crucial for students to remain vigilant and not fall prey to such scams.