The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken a significant step in the investigation of the NEET-UG paper leak case by filing its first chargesheet on Thursday. The document names 13 individuals as accused, and the probe agency indicates that further supplementary chargesheets are likely to be filed as the investigation progresses.
The chargesheet, filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, alleges that the accused were involved in the paper leak and other irregularities during the exam. The CBI has employed advanced forensic techniques, including artificial intelligence technology, CCTV footage analysis, and tower location analysis, to gather evidence against the accused.
The investigation has resulted in the arrest of over 40 individuals so far, including 15 apprehended by Bihar Police. The CBI is continuing its probe into other aspects of the case and against other suspected individuals. Several accused are currently in police or judicial custody.
The CBI had registered six FIRs in connection with the paper leak case after taking over the investigation in late June. The FIR from Bihar pertains to the paper leak itself, while the remaining FIRs from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra relate to impersonation of candidates and cheating. The agency’s own FIR, based on a reference from the Union education ministry, focuses on a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 exam.
The NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across India. The exam was held on May 5, 2024, and sparked widespread controversy following allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and time losses experienced by some candidates. More than 23 lakh candidates appeared for the test.
A re-examination was conducted on June 23 for 1,563 candidates who faced time losses during the original test. Recently, the Supreme Court declined calls for a mass re-test of the exam, stating that there was no evidence to conclude that the entire result of NEET-UG 2024 was vitiated.
