The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended two additional individuals in connection with the NEET UG-2024 paper leak case, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. Among the newly arrested are Pankaj Kumar, alias Aditya, a 2017-batch civil engineer from the National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, and Raju Singh, who allegedly assisted Kumar in the theft and distribution of the exam papers.
Details of the arrests
Pankaj Kumar: A resident of Bokaro, Kumar is accused of stealing the question paper from a sealed trunk in Hazaribagh. He was apprehended in Patna. Kumar, who has a background in civil engineering, played a key role in the leakage of the NEET UG-2024 question paper.
Join us on WhatsApp, click here
Raju Singh: Singh, who is believed to have assisted Kumar in the theft and distribution of the exam papers, was arrested in Hazaribagh.
Investigation and FIRs
The CBI has been actively investigating the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam, registering six FIRs related to the case. While the FIR from Bihar pertains specifically to the leakage of the question paper, the other FIRs from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are linked to impersonation of candidates and cheating during the exam.
ALSO READ: ‘Rocky’, NEET UG 2024 paper leak mastermind, in CBI net
The NEET UG-2024 paper leak has sparked significant concern and outrage, leading to calls for stringent action against those involved. The Supreme Court, while acknowledging the occurrence of the leak, has deemed it “far-fetched” to assume that all 23 lakh students who appeared for the exam were involved. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the malpractice and ensure the integrity of the examination process.
Ongoing efforts
With 14 individuals now in custody, the CBI is working diligently to gather more information and piece together the network involved in the paper leak and related irregularities. This latest development underscores the importance of maintaining strict security measures in the administration of national exams to prevent such breaches and uphold the standards of academic integrity.
The arrests of Pankaj Kumar and Raju Singh mark significant progress in the CBI’s investigation into the NEET UG-2024 paper leak case. As the probe continues, the authorities are committed to bringing all culprits to justice and restoring confidence in the examination system.
