The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made its first arrests in the NEET-UG paper leak case, taking two individuals into custody from Patna, Bihar[1][2][3][4][5]. The arrested suspects, identified as Manish Prakash and Ashutosh Kumar, allegedly provided safe premises to aspirants before the examination where they were given leaked papers and answer keys[2][3][4].
The CBI has registered six FIRs in the NEET paper leak case, with one each from Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, while three are from Rajasthan[4]. The first CBI FIR was registered on Sunday, a day after the ministry announced it would hand over the probe into the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exam to the central agency[2][3].
The NEET-UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country[2][3]. This year’s examination was conducted on May 5, 2024, at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad, with over 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test[2][3].
By CBI In Bihar Regarding NEET-UG Paper Leaker:
The demand for a CBI probe was raised by a section of protesting students[2][3]. The CBI took over the case on Monday and visited the office of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police to start an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the exam[3].
On May 4, the day before the NEET test, Manish Prakash and Ashutosh reportedly helped applicants stay at a boys’ dormitory connected to the Learn Play School in Patna, Bihar, where they were handed hacked papers and answer keys[4]. According to reports, the school was scheduled for the night that the partially burned question paper that had leaked was discovered[4].
The arrests come as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case. The CBI’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing the perpetrators to justice. As the probe continues, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the irregularities and the involvement of other individuals or organizations.
The NEET-UG paper leak case has raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process and the need for robust measures to ensure the security of question papers. The incident has also highlighted the importance of stringent regulations and effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the authorities to maintain transparency and keep the public informed about the developments. The CBI’s findings will be closely watched by students, parents, and the education community, who have a vested interest in ensuring fairness and integrity in the admission process for medical and allied courses.
Prior to the CBI’s arrests, several individuals were detained by the police in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Among them was a candidate who claimed that the day before the test, he and a few others had obtained a copy of the question paper.
On May 5, around 24 lakh candidates took the National Testing Agency’s NEET-UG 2024 exam for undergraduate medical programs. Ten days ahead of schedule, on June 4, the results were declared; nevertheless, demonstrations were sparked by claims that question papers had been leaked and that over 1,500 students had received grace marks. Courts, including the Supreme Court, which has criticized the NTA, received cases as well.
Additionally, the matter has grown into a huge political problem, and President Droupadi Murmu brought it up in his speech to the joint session of both chambers of Parliament on Thursday. The President promised that the offenders will face severe penalties, stating that the administration is “committed to a fair investigation”.
In conclusion, the CBI’s first arrests in the NEET-UG paper leak case mark a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation. The arrests of Manish Prakash and Ashutosh Kumar in Patna, Bihar, have shed light on the alleged involvement of individuals in providing leaked papers and answer keys to aspirants. As the probe continues, it is hoped that the CBI will uncover the full extent of the irregularities and bring all those responsible to justice, ensuring that the integrity of the NEET-UG examination process is restored and maintained in the future.