On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted its initial charge sheet in the NEET-UG paper leak investigation. The charge sheet names 13 individuals involved in the case, with ongoing investigations to follow.
According to the CBI, they utilized cutting-edge forensic methods, artificial intelligence, CCTV footage, and mobile tower data to collect evidence against the suspects.
CBI Files First Chargesheet in NEET-UG Paper Leak Case
On Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted its first chargesheet for the NEET-UG paper leak case. The chargesheet named 13 individuals and suggested that more chargesheets might follow as the investigation progresses. So far, about 40 people have been arrested, including 15 by Bihar Police.
The chargesheet includes accusations under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, alleging that the accused were involved in the paper leak and other irregular activities.
Also Read: Mastermind Rakesh Ranjan Arrested in NEET-UG Paper Leak Scam by CBI
NEET-UG Paper Leak Case Chargesheet Individuals Identified
On August 1, 2024, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) released its first charge sheet in the NEET paper leak case, naming 13 individuals. The accused are Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand, Sikander Yadvendu, Ashutosh Kumar, Roshan Kumar, Manish Prakash, Akhilesh Kumar, Avdesh Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Shivnandan Kumar, and Ayush Raj.
Roles of the Accused:
- Sikander Yadvendu: Acted as the middleman
- Amit Anand: Part of the solver gang
- Nitish Kumar: Part of the solver gang
- Anurag Yadav: Arrested student
- Ayush Raj: Arrested student
- Akhilesh Kumar: Father of Ayush, arrested
- Manish Prakash: Facilitated the relocation of students to safe houses
- Ashutosh Kumar: Offered a safe house at his rental property
- Roshan Kumar: Provided transportation assistance
NEET-UG Paper Leak Case Additional Arrests
Authorities have made several more arrests in connection with the case. Among those detained are Ahsanul Haque, the Principal of Hazaribagh School; Vice Principal Danish; several medical students linked to the solver gang; and Prakash, also known as Aditya, who is accused of stealing papers. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to submit additional charge sheets soon.
NEET Paper Leak Scheme
The NEET paper leak scandal unfolded when Sikander Yadvendu, a junior engineer from Danapur, approached Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand with a plan to leak exam papers. Sikander agreed on a payment of INR 32 lakh for the NEET exam leak and aimed to charge his clients INR 40 lakh.
His nephew, Anurag Yadav, and Ayush Raj were implicated, and both, along with Ayush’s father Akhilesh, were subsequently arrested.
Supreme Court Ruling
The NEET-UG paper leak controversy stirred political debate, with opposition leaders calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They criticized the Modi government for allegedly undermining the education system. Although there were demands for a re-examination, the Supreme Court decided against retaking the NEET-UG exam.
NEET-UG Controversy
The 2024 NEET-UG exam, organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India, has faced significant controversy. Allegations of question paper leaks, inflated scores, and unfairly awarded grace marks have sparked widespread protests among students and drawn political attention.
The exam took place on May 5 across 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 international locations, with 2.3 million candidates participating. When results were announced on June 4, suspicions grew as 67 students scored a perfect 720, with many from the same center. In response to the scandal, the Union government has replaced the head of NTA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What does the CBI’s charge sheet in the NEET-UG case reveal?
Ans. The charge sheet names 13 individuals, detailing their roles in the paper leak and other related activities. It also indicates that more chargesheets and arrests may follow.
Q.2. Who are the individuals named in the NEET-UG charge sheet?
Ans. The charge sheet identifies individuals including Nitish Kumar, Amit Anand, Sikander Yadvendu, and several others involved in various roles such as facilitators and middlemen.
Q.3. What were the accusations against those named in the charge sheet?
Ans. The accused face charges under different sections of the Indian Penal Code related to the NEET-UG paper leak, including involvement in illegal activities and facilitating cheating.
Q.4. How did the NEET-UG paper leak scandal unfold?
Ans. The scandal involved a scheme to leak exam papers orchestrated by Sikander Yadvendu and others, with payments and arrangements made for cheating. This led to numerous arrests.
Q.5. What actions have been taken by authorities in response to the NEET-UG scandal?
Ans. Authorities have made multiple arrests, including educational staff and students. The Supreme Court has decided against retaking the exam, and the Union government has replaced the head of NTA.
