NEET-UG Paper Leak: CBI Arrests Two More Individuals, Including a Candidate, in Bihar

In a significant development in the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two more persons from Patna, Bihar, in connection with the alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) examination. The arrested individuals include Sunny Kumar, a NEET-UG candidate, who was taken into custody from Nalanda, and Ranjit Kumar, the father of another candidate, who was arrested from Gaya.

The NEET-UG examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is a crucial entrance test for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country. The exam, which was held on May 5 and was attended by approximately 24 lakh candidates, has been marred by controversy and allegations of paper leak.

The CBI has so far arrested a total of eight persons in Bihar and Jharkhand in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, and one person each in Latur and Godhra, and another from Dehradun, as part of a broader conspiracy. The agency has been investigating the matter since the Central government tasked it with probing the allegations of malpractice in the exam.

The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the investigation, has directed the NTA and the Central government to submit affidavits detailing their actions and has asked the CBI to submit a status report on its investigation progress and evidence gathered by July 10. The apex court has also instructed the NTA to outline measures taken to identify the beneficiaries of the leak.

Acknowledging that the sanctity of the exam has been compromised, the Supreme Court bench said, “The fact that the sanctity of the exam has been compromised is beyond doubt. It is an admitted fact that there is a leak, and the nature of the leak is something that we are determining. If it is not extensive, then there is no cancellation. But before we order a retest, we must be conscious of the extent of the leak as we are dealing with 23 lakh students…”

The court has scheduled the case for further hearing on July 11 and has instructed the CBI, along with the Centre and NTA, to submit detailed affidavits by 5 pm on July 10. The investigation is ongoing, and the CBI is working to determine the extent of the leak and identify those responsible for the irregularities.