In a significant breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended two individuals in Patna as part of its investigation into the NEET-UG exam leak case. Among the detained is Manish Prakash, who allegedly arranged accommodations for numerous students implicated in the scandal.
The NEET-UG exam leak has become a high-profile case, with fresh developments surfacing daily. Central to the controversy is Sanjeev Mukhiya, who has been identified as the primary orchestrator behind the recent exam breach.
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Who is Sanjeev Mukhiya?
Sanjeev Mukhiya, also known as Sanjeev Singh, originates from the Nalanda district in Bihar and has a long history of engaging in exam fraud spanning two decades. Formerly a technical assistant at Nalanda College’s Noorsarai branch, Mukhiya has been linked to several exam paper leaks, including the infamous 2016 Bihar Public Service Commission constable recruitment exam scandal.
Mukhiya is believed to operate a sophisticated ‘Solver Gang’ alongside Ravi Atri, providing leaked exam papers or proxies to take exams for candidates. The investigation has revealed a widespread network involved in various exam frauds, from constable recruitment to teacher exams across multiple states.
Mukhiya’s Network and Influence
Mukhiya’s wife, Mamta Devi, holds the position of chief (‘mukhiya’) of Bhuthakhar panchayat, secured with the backing of the Lok Janshakti Party. His son, Shiv Kumar, is also under legal scrutiny for his alleged role in another paper leak related to Bihar’s teacher recruitment exams.
Also Read: RJD, BJP trade barbs in Bihar over NEET UG irregularities
In his village, opinions about Mukhiya are divided. Some residents see him as an ordinary farmer, downplaying his alleged involvement in larger criminal activities.
The NEET Scandal Unfolds
The NEET-UG controversy ignited after an unusually high number of students achieved perfect scores of 720. Initially attributed to grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical issues, further investigation by Bihar Police revealed that the exam papers were leaked to select candidates a day before the test.
Authorities suspect that Sanjeev Mukhiya was behind the dissemination of NEET-UG question papers and answer keys for the 2024 exam. Reports indicate that he obtained these materials through a mobile source connected to an unnamed professor. Law enforcement is intensifying efforts to locate Mukhiya as they widen their investigation into his network.
According to sources, Mukhiya may have fled to Nepal, complicating extradition due to the bilateral agreements between India and Nepal.
Impact of the NEET Exam Leak
The NEET-UG exam leak has sparked widespread outrage among students, leading to nationwide protests demanding accountability and stringent measures to safeguard the integrity of critical exams. As the investigation continues, the priority is to ensure justice for affected students and to address systemic vulnerabilities in the examination process to maintain the credibility of India’s educational system.
