NEET Scam: Rs 30 Lakh for Leaked Papers; Bihar EOU Makes Sensational Revelations

New Delhi: The ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET exam has intensified as startling confessions to the Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) have unveiled extensive irregularities in this year's medical entrance examination. Suspects have revealed that candidates paid over Rs 30 lakh each for leaked exam papers, indicating a major breach in the exam's integrity.

On Saturday, the EOU issued notices to nine candidates from various districts in Bihar, summoning them to their Patna office for questioning regarding their involvement with the 'solver gang'. These candidates are required to present themselves on Monday and Tuesday with any evidence they possess. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has yet to comment on these recent developments.

Also Read: Exclusive/ NEET-UG 2024 Row: 9 Candidates, Their Parents Called for Questioning in Paper Leak Case

Assurance from the Education Minister

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured that there would be no tolerance for malpractices. He emphasized that every aspect is being scrutinized, and accountability will be established for any lapses. "There is no scope for any malpractice or irregularities in the conduct of any exam. The accountability of NTA will also be fixed if lapses are found," Pradhan said.

Investigation Findings

The EOU discovered the roll numbers of 13 candidates linked to the 'solver gang,' with four already arrested. The EOU then sought further information from the National Testing Agency (NTA), including reference question papers and admit cards, leading to the identification of additional suspects.

Arrests and Detailed Confessions

To date, 14 individuals have been arrested, including a junior engineer and operators of educational consultancies. One significant confession came from Sikandar Kumar Yadavendu, a 56-year-old junior engineer. He admitted his involvement and detailed how he, along with Amit Anand and Nitish, facilitated the paper leaks. Both Amit and Nitish confessed to charging between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 32 lakh per candidate for the leaked papers.

Modus Operandi Unveiled

The investigation revealed the 'solver gang's' modus operandi. They breached the chain of custody from printing firms to exam centers by compromising staff members. The gang assembled students in safe houses where they memorized answers before being taken to exam centers to prevent information leakage.

Special Investigation Team's Role

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the alleged malpractices. The SIT had been monitoring the case from its onset but officially constituted the team after 13 critical arrests, including a junior engineer and a person previously involved in another paper leak case.

Link to Previous Scandals

One of the arrested, Nitish Kumar, previously jailed in the BPSC TRE case, was involved again. This suggests a recurring issue, with the same group led by Sanjeev Singh from Bihar's Nalanda also implicated in the NEET paper leak.

These revelations underscore the severity of the malpractices surrounding the NEET exam and highlight ongoing efforts to address and rectify these issues.