NEET paper leak accused took names of masterminds, statements different: Sources
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) questioned several accused lodged in Patna’s Beur jail in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case.
During the interrogation, most of the accused took the names of Sanjeev Mukhiya and Sikandar Yadvendu, believed to be the masterminds in the case, sources told India Today TV.
There were a lot of differences in the statements given by the accused, sources said.
Sanjeev Mukhiya had allegedly accommodated nearly 25 candidates at a boys’ hostel, associated with the Learn Play School in Patna on May 4, a day before the NEET-UG exam. Reportedly, the candidates were provided with the leaked question paper and answer sheets at the same hostel.
His son, Shiv, is already jailed for involvement in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) teacher recruitment exam paper leak.
On the other hand, Sikandar Yadvendu, a junior engineer at the municipal committee of Danapur, is another prime suspect involved in the illegal distribution of NEET question papers, according to an investigation by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police.
The EOU, which had been investigating the matter until the Centre ordered a probe by the CBI, has so far arrested 18 people in connection with the case. The central agency made its first arrests in the case on Thursday.
NEET-UG 2024, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), took place at 4,750 centres in 571 cities on May 5 and more than 24 lakh candidates appeared for it. The results were declared on June 4.
However, immediately after the results were announced, students raised allegations of irregularities when 67 students achieved top ranks, amid allegations of question paper leaks in Bihar. This has snowballed into a major political controversy since then.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said continuous investigation was on in the matter and asserted that the Centre will not save anyone.
He said the Supreme Court, Centre and Bihar government were strict on the issue. “It will also be ensured that such a thing does not happen in future,” Manjhi, a former Bihar Chief Minister, added.