NEET Scam Link to Maharashtra Emerges, ATS Quizzes 2 Suspects in Marathwada

New Delhi: As investigation into the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG exams widens, the Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) began interrogation of two individuals in the state on Sunday. Based on the inputs from Bihar and Delhi, the ATS quizzed them in Marathwada.

According to sources, out of the two people, one is said to be working in Latur whereas another in Solapur. Sources revealed both the suspects who were detained by the ATS are teachers. The two suspects were detained following a raid by ATS in the state earlier today. 

It is learnt that the Nanded unit of Maharashtra ATS released both the suspects following questioning which lasted for several hours. According to ATS sources, if required, they can be be called for questioning again.

More details are awaited. This development comes two days after six individuals were arrested by Bihar Police's Economic Offences Unit (EOU) from Jharkhand's Deoghar in connection with the alleged paper leak. Earlier, the Bihar Police had arrested 13 people, including four NEET aspirants and their kin, in connection with the case. The EOU also indicated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) might investigate the money laundering aspect.

Under fire over alleged discrepancies in competitive exams, the Centre on Saturday sacked National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Subodh Singh. Meanwhile, the CBI has taken over the case to probe the alleged irregularities medical entrance exam. After the NTA came under scanner owing to lapses in exam, the Education Ministry formed a seven-member probe panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to review the agency's functioning and recommend exam reforms. 

The Supreme Court had earlier issued notices to the Centre, the NTA and others seeking their response on a slew of petitions, including those seeking scrapping of the NEET-UG 2024 exam and a court-monitored probe. The apex court had also stayed further proceedings on similar pleas pending before different high courts. However, The SC had refused to halt NEET councelling which is scheduled to begin on July 6.