The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensified its investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case, making fresh arrests on Tuesday. The agency apprehended Sunny Kumar, a NEET-UG candidate from Nalanda, and his father, Ranjit Kumar, from Gaya. This brings the total number of arrests made by the CBI in connection with the case to 11.
The CBI has been actively pursuing the investigation, previously arresting eight individuals in Bihar related to the NEET-UG paper leak. Additionally, the agency has apprehended one person each in connection with alleged manipulations in Gujarat’s Latur and Godhra, as well as one individual from Dehradun linked to the overall conspiracy.
Earlier arrests in the case include the principal and vice-principal of Hazaribagh-based Oasis school. Two individuals who allegedly provided safe premises to NEET candidates where burnt question papers were recovered by the Bihar Police have also been arrested.
The CBI has registered six FIRs in relation to the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam. The FIR from Bihar focuses on the paper leak, while the remaining FIRs from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra pertain to candidate impersonation and cheating. The agency’s own FIR, based on a reference from the Union Education Ministry, aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The Supreme Court, taking note of the serious nature of the paper leak, has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Centre to submit detailed affidavits outlining the situation. The court has also requested a status report from the CBI on July 10.
On Monday, the Supreme Court acknowledged the compromised nature of the NEET-UG exam held on May 5, stating that the paper leak had undoubtedly occurred. The court has urged the NTA to provide information about the steps taken to identify candidates who may have benefited from the leak. The case will be heard again on July 11.
NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA, serves as the entrance examination for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in both government and private institutions. This year, the exam was conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centers across 571 cities, including 14 locations abroad. Over 23 lakh candidates participated in the test.
