The NEET paper leak scandal has drawn significant attention, with new details emerging daily about the leak. At the centre of this controversy is Sanjeev Mukhiya, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the recent NEET scandal.
Who is Sanjeev Mukhiya
Hailing from Nalanda district in Bihar, Sanjeev Mukhiya, also known as Sanjeev Singh, has a history of involvement in exam fraud spanning two decades. Formerly employed as a technical assistant at Nalanda College’s Noorsarai branch, Sanjeev Mukhiya has been implicated in multiple paper leaks, including the notorious 2016 Bihar Public Service Commission constable recruitment exam leak.
Sanjeev Mukhiya reportedly operates a ‘Solver Gang’ with Ravi Atri, offering leaked question papers or proxies to take exams on behalf of candidates. The investigation has uncovered a network that extends from constable recruitment exams to teacher recruitment exams across multiple states, demonstrating the extensive reach of their fraudulent operations.
Sanjeev Mukhiya’s connections
Mukhiya’s wife, Mamta Devi, serves as the chief (‘mukhiya’) of Bhuthakhar panchayat, a position she secured with the support of the Lok Janshakti Party. His son, Shiv Kumar, is also embroiled in legal troubles for his alleged involvement in another exam paper leak case related to Bihar’s teacher recruitment exams.
Opinions on Mukhiya in his village are mixed. Some residents describe him as an ordinary individual involved in agricultural work, downplaying his alleged exploits beyond their local horizon.
The NEET connection
The NEET controversy erupted after an unusually high number of students scored a perfect 720 in the NEET-UG exam. Initially, this was attributed to grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical issues. However, subsequent investigations by Bihar Police revealed that the exam paper had been leaked to select candidates a day before the exam.
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Authorities believe Sanjeev Mukhiya orchestrated the distribution of NEET-UG question papers and answer sheets for the 2024 exam. Reports suggest that Mukhiya received these sensitive materials via mobile from an unnamed professor. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their search for Sanjeev Mukhiya amid a widening crackdown on his alleged network.
Sources indicate that Mukhiya may have fled to Nepal after the controversy gained national attention, complicating extradition procedures due to bilateral agreements between India and Nepal.
The NEET paper leak impact
The NEET paper leak has triggered widespread outrage among students, leading to nationwide protests demanding accountability and stringent measures to prevent future irregularities in crucial exams.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring justice for affected students and addressing systemic vulnerabilities in the examination process to uphold the integrity of India’s educational system.
