The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) detained two teachers from Latur district late Saturday night, June 22, in connection with alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a critical medical entrance examination.
The two teachers, Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Umarkhan Pathan, were arrested by a team from the ATS’s Nanded unit. Both educators teach at a government-run school in Latur and also operate private coaching centres in the area.
Earlier on Saturday, the Central Government removed National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Subodh Singh from his position. The investigation of NEET-UG irregularities was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In addition to transferring the probe, the Education Ministry established a seven-member panel led by former ISRO chief K. Radhakrishnan to review the NTA’s functioning and recommend necessary reforms in the examination system.
“We stand for transparent, tamper-free, and zero-error examinations. A panel has been formed on exam reforms, strict action has been taken against officials, and the case has been handed over to the CBI,” stated Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. “Students’ interests will be safeguarded at any cost,” he added.
These steps come amid widespread litigation and protests across the country regarding the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam. Students have raised concerns over a purported question paper leak and the contentious awarding of grace marks to over 1,500 candidates. The grace marks were subsequently revoked, and the affected students were offered a re-test.
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