CBI Nabs Two Suspects in NEET-UG Paper Leak Case, One Accused of Stealing Question Papers from NTA’s Trunk

In a significant breakthrough in the NEET-UG paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two individuals, including one who allegedly stole the question papers from the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) trunk. The arrests come as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to unravel the conspiracy behind the massive cheating scandal that marred the recent NEET-UG exam.

Pankaj, a resident of Patna, and Rajkumar Singh alias Raju, from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, were taken into custody by the CBI on Tuesday. Pankaj is accused of stealing the NEET-UG paper from the NTA’s trunk, while Rajkumar Singh is believed to be involved in the larger conspiracy.

This development comes on the heels of the CBI’s earlier arrest of the main accused, Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky, from Bihar’s Nalanda. Ranjan is considered one of the key players in the NEET paper leak, and his arrest was made possible through a sophisticated operation that involved setting a trap and conducting raids at four locations in Patna and Kolkata.

The CBI has been using advanced investigative techniques, including digital footprints and email communications, to track down and apprehend those involved in the scandal. According to an official, Ranjan was located and identified through a detailed analysis of digital evidence, highlighting the agency’s commitment to employing cutting-edge technology in its fight against corruption and fraud.

The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, was plagued by allegations of cheating and paper leaks, with discrepancies in the evaluation process also coming to light. The exam, which is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country, saw over 23.33 lakh students take the test at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 cities overseas.

The NTA faced severe criticism for its handling of the exam, leading to the removal of its chief and the formation of a panel to review and improve its functioning. The government has assured NEET aspirants that necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

The CBI has so far arrested over a dozen people in connection with the case, and its investigation is ongoing. The agency’s efforts have been praised for their dedication to combating corruption and fraud, and the use of advanced technology to track down those involved in the scandal.