Background of the NEET Paper Leak
In May 2024, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024 was marred by allegations of a paper leak. The controversy began when social media posts claimed that the exam questions had been leaked ahead of the test. In Patna, Bihar, police arrested 13 individuals, including four examinees, who had allegedly paid to obtain the question paper beforehand. Further investigations revealed that some medical aspirants had paid large sums of money, ranging from ₹30 to ₹50 lakh, to brokers involved in the racket for obtaining the question paper before the examination. The case was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a more thorough probe. The CBI’s investigation uncovered that the leak occurred on the morning of the examination, with the question paper being photographed and shared among conspirators before the exam began. The CBI identified 155 students who directly benefited from this paper leak, though only two of these candidates scored more than 570 marks. The Supreme Court of India acknowledged the leak but ruled that it was not widespread enough to affect the exam as a whole and therefore denied a re-examination.
Arrest of Sanjeev Mukhiya
On the night of April 24, 2025, Sanjeev Mukhiya, the prime accused in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, was arrested by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) team in Patna. Mukhiya had been on the run since the controversy erupted and was considered a key figure in the illegal operation. The EOU’s swift action led to his apprehension, bringing a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The arrest follows a ₹3 lakh reward announced by Bihar Police on April 9 for information leading to Mukhiya’s capture.
Role of the Economic Offences Unit
The Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police has been instrumental in investigating the NEET paper leak case. Upon discovering the involvement of several organized gangs, the EOU took over the case in May 2024. Their efforts have led to the identification and arrest of multiple individuals connected to the leak, including brokers and students who had paid for the question papers. The EOU’s thorough investigation has been crucial in unravelling the complex network behind the malpractice.
Implications of the Arrest
The arrest of Sanjeev Mukhiya marks a significant step in addressing the malpractice that compromised the integrity of the NEET-UG 2024 examination. Mukhiya’s apprehension is expected to provide further insights into the operations of the syndicate and help authorities dismantle the network involved in such fraudulent activities. This development underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold the sanctity of educational examinations and deter future malpractices.
Conclusion
The arrest of Sanjeev Mukhiya serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in the examination system and the lengths to which individuals may go to exploit them. While the NEET-UG 2024 examination proceeded without a re-test, the incident has prompted a re-evaluation of security measures and protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure that the examination system remains fair and transparent for all aspirants.
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