The probe into the NEET paper leak case has intensified with the arrest of two more individuals, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to five. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been granted a seven-day remand for the five accused to facilitate further interrogation.
Details of the Arrests
The latest arrests were made late Wednesday night from different locations in Bihar and Jharkhand. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger network involved in the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper. According to officials, the accused have been identified as Rajesh Kumar and Sanjay Singh, both allegedly involved in the distribution of the leaked paper to candidates.
CBI Custody and Investigation
The five accused, including the two newly arrested, were produced before a special CBI court in Patna on Thursday. The court remanded them to seven days of CBI custody. The investigating agency has sought the custody to uncover the entire chain of the leak, from the source to the end beneficiaries. The CBI has also seized several electronic devices and documents from the suspects, which are being analyzed for evidence.
Modus Operandi: Preliminary investigations suggest that the leaked paper was circulated through encrypted messaging apps and sold for amounts ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per candidate. The suspects allegedly used middlemen to connect with students and their families, promising them guaranteed admission to medical colleges.
Government Response
The Ministry of Education has condemned the leak and assured strict action. Union Education Minister stated, We have zero tolerance for such malpractices. The CBI is conducting a thorough investigation, and all those involved will be brought to justice. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has also initiated a review of its security protocols for future examinations.
Impact on Students
The leak has caused widespread anxiety among students who appeared for the NEET exam. Many have demanded a re-examination if the leak is confirmed to have compromised the integrity of the test. The NTA has said that it will take a decision based on the investigation's findings. Meanwhile, the CBI has urged students and parents to report any suspicious activity related to the leak.
The case has also sparked a debate on the need for stricter cybersecurity measures in conducting national-level exams. Experts suggest that the use of blockchain technology and real-time surveillance could help prevent such incidents in the future.
- Two more arrested in Bihar and Jharkhand
- Five accused remanded to seven-day CBI custody
- Electronic devices and documents seized
- Government vows strict action
The investigation continues as the CBI works to dismantle the entire network behind the leak. Further arrests are expected in the coming days.
