CBI arrests two more in NEET-UG paper leak case in Bihar

New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested two more people allegedly involved in the NEET-UG paper leak case in Patna on Tuesday.

The arrested persons were identified as Pankaj Kumar Singh and Raju Singh. They were arrested in Patna and Hazaribagh, respectively.

A senior CBI official informed that Pankaj managed to steal the question paper when it was shifted from Hazaribagh in a sealed iron trunk.

Pankaj is a civil engineer and completed his bachelor in engineering degree from NIT Jamseshedpur.

Earlier on July 12, Patna High Court granted CBI custody to 13 individuals arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case.

The 13 individuals mentioned were arrested by the Patna Police earlier.

CBI will undertake their custodial examination and will be able to confront them with the kingpin Rocky, who is also in CBI custody.

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested accused Rakesh Ranjan, alias Rocky, from Bihar’s Nalanda in connection with the case.

Rakesh Ranjan, who is believed to be one of the key players in the NEET paper leak network, was taken into custody following a planned operation by the CBI.

The development comes on the heels of a series of coordinated raids at multiple locations, including Patna and Kolkata, aimed at dismantling the intricate web of individuals involved in the scandal.

The CBI’s investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of over a dozen suspects, each allegedly playing a role in the leak and distribution of the NEET exam papers.

The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, has been mired in controversy, with allegations of cheating and impersonation.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the exam, has faced severe criticism, leading to protests and legal actions. The Union Health Ministry has postponed the NEET-PG 2024 examination, with new dates to be announced soon.

The government has replaced the chief of the NTA and formed a committee to review and improve its functioning.

The NEET-UG examination, conducted by NTA, is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other related courses in government and private institutions across the country.

The NEET-UG 2024 was held across 4,750 centres on May 5 and around 24 lakh candidates appeared in it.