NEET Scam: CBI Team Visits Patna To Probe NEET-UG Paper Leak Issue, Collect Evidences From EOU

Patna: A two-member team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrived in Patna to advance their investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case. The team is engaged in discussions with CBI officials from the Bihar-Jharkhand region at the Patna CBI office to strategize their next steps.

In a coordinated effort, two CBI officers stationed in Patna have also visited the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) office, holding talks with the DIG to gather further information. This visit is crucial as the CBI team plans to collect all pertinent evidence related to the case from the EOU, which had been investigating the matter until the central government ordered a federal probe. The evidences includes burnt question papers recovered from a house in Patna, mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, post-dated cheques, and reference question papers provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

What Has Happened So Far?

The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, came under scrutiny following allegations of a paper leak, sparking nationwide protests and legal actions by students. On Sunday, the CBI filed an FIR based on a referral from the Education Ministry, marking the beginning of their official investigation.

The EOU of Bihar Police has already arrested 18 individuals in connection with the case. These suspects are currently in judicial custody in Patna. The CBI team may seek a transit remand to transfer the arrested individuals to Delhi for more intensive interrogation.

In addition to investigating the paper leak, the CBI may file multiple FIRs to probe the destruction of evidence and potentially register disproportionate assets (DA) cases against some accused, particularly public servants. One such case may be against Sikander Prasad Yadvendu, a junior engineer in Danapur Town Council. Yadvendu, originally from Samastipur, is identified as a prime suspect. He has allegedly accumulated significant assets disproportionate to his known income.

Yadvendu's criminal background includes his role as a contractor in Ranchi before becoming a junior engineer in 2012. He was previously involved in an LED scam worth Rs 3 crore and has served jail time for his participation in that case.