Patna HC grants CBI custody to 13 arrested in NEET-UG paper leak case
Jul 12, 2024
Patna (Bihar) [India], July 12 : Patna High Court has 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) has arrested accused Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky from Bihar's Nalanda in connection with the NEET paper leak case. Ranjan's arrest brings a significant advancement in the investigation, the agency said on Thursday.
Rakesh Ranjan, who is believed to be one of the key player in the NEET paper leak network, was taken into custody following a planned operation by the CBI.
"Before his arrest, the CBI set a trap and conducted raids at four locations in the vicinity of Patna and in Kolkata," a senior CBI official told ANI.
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 CBI has been utilising advanced investigative techniques to track down and apprehend those involved.
"Ranjan was located and identified through a detailed analysis of digital footprints, including IP addresses and email communications, underscoring the agency's dedication to employing cutting-edge technology in its efforts to combat corruption and fraud," the official added.
The CBI continues to pursue leads and gather evidence in the ongoing investigation.
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.
