NEET Paper Leak: CBI Arrests Principal and Vice Principal of Jharkhand School
28.06.2024: In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the principal and vice principal of Oasis School in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case.
Key Details of the Arrest
Ehsanul Haque, the principal of Oasis School, was appointed as the city coordinator for Hazaribagh by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the NEET-UG exam conducted on May 5. Vice Principal Imtiaz Alam was designated as the NTA’s observer and the centre coordinator at the school.
Following a detailed investigation, the CBI arrested both Haque and Alam. Additionally, the agency is questioning five more individuals from the district regarding the paper leak.
Investigation Background
The case first came under scrutiny during a probe by the Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU). During their investigation, they discovered burnt NEET-UG question papers at a hideout linked to a solver gang. The EOU identified the gang as being led by the notorious Sanjeev Kumar, alias Lutan Mukhiya.
The EOU’s findings indicated that the leaked NEET-UG question papers originated from Oasis School in Hazaribagh. They confirmed the leak by matching a partially burnt question paper found in Patna with the reference paper provided by the NTA.
Procedural Lapses and Statements
Investigations revealed that the guidelines for opening the question paper boxes were not properly followed by the authorities in Hazaribagh. Ehsanul Haque claimed that the box’s digital lock malfunctioned and did not open as expected. He stated that, following instructions from the NTA, he used a cutter to open the box manually.
The question paper boxes are supposed to be secured with two locks: a manual lock and a digital lock that opens automatically 45 minutes before the exam starts.
Broader Investigation and Arrests
The CBI has registered six FIRs related to the NEET-UG paper leak, including one from the Union Education Ministry and five from various states. The agency has taken over cases from Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
On Thursday, the CBI made its first arrests in the NEET-UG paper leak case, detaining two individuals in Patna. Additionally, three candidates from Gujarat, who allegedly sought illicit help to pass the exam, recorded their statements with the CBI.
NEET-UG Exam Overview
The NEET-UG exam, conducted by the NTA, is a critical test for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across India. This year’s exam, held on May 5, was conducted at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 international locations, with over 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test.
The CBI’s arrests and ongoing investigation highlight the seriousness of the NEET-UG paper leak case. As the probe continues, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the irregularities and the individuals involved.