NEET paper leak: Overview of the revelations from CBI probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently provided an update regarding its ongoing investigation into the NEET paper leak case. This investigation began on June 23, following the agency's takeover of the initial first information report (FIR). The examination in question was conducted in May, and alleged irregularities prompted the CBI to intervene.

neet paper leak scam

Overview of the Investigation

On July 25, the CBI released an official statement detailing the findings of its investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case. Here is a summary of the key developments so far:

Filing of FIR: The FIR concerning the NEET paper leak was lodged with the Shastrinagar police station in Patna. The case is being pursued under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Sections 407, 408, 409, and 120B.
Discovery of the Leak: The investigation unveiled that Pankaj, also known as Aditya, accessed the NEET question paper on the morning of the exam, May 5. This access was obtained from the Oasis School in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, through a conspiracy with the school's principal and other accomplices. Pankaj Kumar has been identified as one of the masterminds behind the leak.
Arrest of Key Individuals: Following the discovery, Pankaj attempted to evade capture but was quickly traced and apprehended by the CBI. His arrest led to the detainment of several associates, including the principal of Oasis School, Ahsanulhaq, the vice principal, and others involved in the operation.
Tracing the Source of the Leak: The CBI utilized evidence collected from question papers found in Patna to trace the leak back to the Hazaribagh examination center. These question papers were illicitly obtained from Oasis School on May 5.
Details of the Paper Transport: The NEET papers were transported in trunks to the Hazaribagh center, where they were secured in the control room. Shortly after their arrival, Pankaj was granted access to this room by the principal and vice principal, facilitating the theft.
Evidence of Theft: The CBI discovered partially burnt question papers, which helped trace the source of the NEET UG 2024 question paper leak to the designated examination center. On the morning of May 5, the trunks containing the question papers were delivered to the school. Pankaj used sophisticated tools to open the trunk and steal the papers, both the trunk and the tools have since been seized by the agency.
Distribution of the Stolen Paper: After illegally obtaining the NEET question paper, Pankaj and his associates solved it in Hazaribagh on the morning of May 5, 2024. The completed examination paper was then distributed to selected students who had paid for access. The individuals involved in solving the paper, many of whom were MBBS students from prestigious institutions, have been identified, with most of them already arrested. The principal and vice principal of the school facilitated access to the question papers for the mastermind, and the stolen papers were shared with the "solver gang" on the morning of the exam.
Identification of Solver Gang Members: Medical students affiliated with the "solver gang" were identified and arrested. These individuals were brought to Hazaribagh on May 5, and all were implicated in the conspiracy.
Recruitment of Paying Candidates: An additional group played a role in bringing NEET candidates who were willing to pay for the question papers. The CBI has taken legal action against students who participated in the illegal solving of the paper.
CBI's Raids and Arrests: To date, the CBI has conducted raids at 33 locations and arrested a total of 36 individuals implicated in the case. Out of these, 15 suspects were arrested by the Bihar Police prior to their transfer into CBI custody.