Patna, India – The infamous Sanjeev Mukhiya gang, in collaboration with a network of cybercriminals, orchestrated a leak of the NEET exam papers, as revealed by the Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU). This revelation comes amidst an ongoing investigation that has exposed a web of deceit and corruption involving various individuals and entities.
Details of the Investigation
The EOU has disclosed that among the five people arrested in Jharkhand in connection with the NEET case, three are identified as cybercriminals. During the arrests, the police seized post-dated cheques and multiple SIM cards from the suspects’ possession, indicating a well-organized operation.
Investigations have unveiled that the gang of cybercriminals provided SIM cards and shelter to members of the Sanjeev Mukhiya gang. The gang’s operations were highly coordinated, with each member playing a specific role in the execution of the paper leak.
Role of Sanjeev Mukhiya and Associates
Sanjeev Mukhiya, a notorious figure already linked to previous exam paper leaks, is reported to have hosted nearly 25 candidates at a boys’ hostel associated with the Learn Play School in Patna. This event took place on May 4, a day before the NEET exam. Allegedly, the candidates were furnished with the leaked question papers and answer sheets at this location.
Mukhiya’s son, Shiv, is currently incarcerated for his involvement in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) teacher recruitment exam paper leak, highlighting a pattern of fraudulent activities within the family.
Search for Additional Suspects
The police are actively pursuing one Rocky, Mukhiya’s nephew, who is believed to have connections to the paper leak. Rocky, who runs a hotel in Ranchi, is suspected of providing “solvers” to tackle the leaked NEET exam papers. His whereabouts remain under investigation, with authorities intensifying efforts to locate him.
Involvement of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
On Monday, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrived in Patna to collaborate with the EOU. The CBI, which has taken over the investigation following a directive from the Centre, has already filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG.
CBI officers are currently gathering evidence from the EOU and are expected to file multiple FIRs to address the destruction of evidence. Additionally, disproportionate assets (DA) cases may be registered against some of the accused, particularly those who are public servants.
Judicial Proceedings
A Patna court is scheduled to hear Sanjeev Mukhiya’s advance bail plea today. In the previous hearing, the court demanded the submission of the case diary, further tightening the legal scrutiny on Mukhiya and his associates.
NEET-UG 2024 Overview
The NEET-UG 2024, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), was held at 4,750 centers across 571 cities, with over 24 lakh candidates appearing for the exam. The results, declared on June 4, sparked controversy when 67 students achieved top scores amidst allegations of question paper leaks in Bihar.
Latest Developments
Following the results, numerous students raised concerns about irregularities, leading to an intensified investigation. The authorities are now exploring the possibility of broader involvement, examining financial transactions, and scrutinizing communications among the suspects.
This scandal underscores the challenges faced by examination authorities in ensuring the integrity of competitive exams. It also highlights the need for stringent security measures and legal frameworks to deter and address such malpractices effectively. The investigation continues, with more arrests and revelations anticipated in the coming days.
