'Inter-State Nexus Behind NEET Paper Leak Exposed': Bihar EOU Reveals Shocking Probe Findings

Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar has issued a press release regarding the major NEET UG-2024 examination paper leak scandal. The release provides detailed information on the investigation but notably omits any mention of the involvement of Tejashwi Yadav's aide, Pritam Yadav, and the NHAI guest house where the the accused met to discuss the paper leak plan. 

The EOU has confirmed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has provided the roll codes of 15 candidates linked to the leak. So far, the EOU has only questioned four students, with the remaining candidates yet to appear at the EOU office for interrogation.

The press release primarily highlights the involvement of a key suspect, Chintu, in the scandal. However, there is no mention of another suspect, Rocky, in the entire document.

NEET Paper Leak Scandal Exposed

As per the press release issued by Bihar EOU, upon discovery of malpractices and irregularities in NEET-UG on May 5, a case was registered under sections 407, 408, 409, and 120(b) of the Indian Penal Code at the Saharanpur police station, case number 358/24.

Authorities have arrested 13 individuals, including members of the gang involved and several candidates. The swift investigation led to the apprehension of additional suspects and the involvement of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for an in-depth probe, especially focusing on the financial aspects of the crime.

The investigation revealed that the question papers were leaked from the Learn Boys Hostel and Play School. Among those arrested are two primary culprits who were found at a farm house in the Nandipur area. The key suspect, identified as Baldev Kumar alias Chintu, was captured along with the others.

The initial examination indicated that the leaked question papers were available via mobile phones on the very day of the exam, May 5, 2024. Further investigations revealed that Chintu Kumar received the papers through electronic means and, using Wi-Fi printers in schools, produced copies for candidates, ensuring their high scores.

The operation involved transporting candidates to and from the Learn Boys Hostel and Play School, approximately 2 kilometers away from a designated drop-off point. Here, the gang's members facilitated the illegal activity using a taxi cab.

Among the significant arrests was Mukesh Kumar, a driver employed by Blue Dart company, who played a pivotal role in transporting candidates. The investigation is still ongoing, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) has identified 15 candidates linked to the roll numbers involved. Four of these candidates have already been questioned, while the rest are yet to be interrogated.

In response to the breach, the NTA provided a reference copy of the compromised question paper for forensic examination. Initial checks confirmed the leak, prompting a detailed investigation by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). 

Moreover, the half burnt question papers were found by EOU. The serial numbers of those question papers were found to be of Oasis Public School, Hazaribagh exam centre.

By June 20, 2024, the NTA confirmed the paper's origin from the Learn Boys Hostel and Play School, Ramkrishna Nagar, Chhapra, pinpointing the exact center from where the leak occurred. The thorough review of the Chain of Custody revealed significant lapses in the transportation and handling of the examination papers.

The questioning of key individuals linked to the scandal, including Rajiv Kumar, Panku Kumar and Paramjeet Singh, all from Nalanda revealed their involvement in procuring duplicate SIM cards, mobile phones, and other electronic devices for the crime. Charges have been filed under sections 420, 467, 468, 471, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

The investigation continues, with efforts underway to apprehend other involved culprits and uncover further details. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been tasked with overseeing the ongoing probe, ensuring all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined and all responsible parties are brought to justice.

 List of Arrested Individuals

1.Baldev Kumar alias Chintu- Patna

2. Mukesh Kumar- Patna

3. Panku Kumar- Nalanda

4. Rajiv Kumar aka Karu- Nalanda

5. Paramjeet Singh aka Bittu - Nalanda