The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the NEET UG 2024 paper leak scandal, filing a second charge sheet that implicates six individuals, including senior staff from the school where the leak originated. The charge sheet, submitted before the special CBI court in Patna, sheds light on the orchestrated conspiracy that compromised the integrity of one of India’s most crucial medical entrance exams.
Among the accused are prominent figures from Oasis School in Hazaribagh, including its principal, Dr. Ahsanul Haque, and vice-principal, Mohammad Imtiyaz Alam. The CBI investigation revealed that Haque, who also served as the city coordinator for the NEET exam, colluded with Alam, the center superintendent, to leak the question paper. The charge sheet also names Baldev Kumar alias Chintu, Sunny Kumar, and Aman Kumar Singh, all accused of playing key roles in the conspiracy to steal and distribute the exam paper. Additionally, a local journalist from Hazaribagh, Jamaluddin alias Jamal, has been implicated.
These individuals face serious charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, including Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and Section 109 (abetment). They are also charged with Section 409 (criminal breach of trust), Section 420 (cheating), Section 380 (theft), Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and Section 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property).
The CBI’s investigation uncovered that the question paper was stolen from Oasis School and subsequently leaked with the help of an elaborate network involving school officials, intermediaries, and other facilitators. This case has become a focal point in the wider investigation into systemic irregularities in the NEET examination, raising concerns about the security and sanctity of the medical entrance test.
The recent charge sheet is the second in this high-profile case, following the CBI’s initial filing on August 1, which named 13 individuals as part of the conspiracy. As the investigation has progressed, the total number of arrests has risen to 48, encompassing not only students but also exam solvers and facilitators who were part of the widespread cheating ring.
The CBI’s efforts to crack the case have been bolstered by the use of advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence tools, and analysis of CCTV footage and mobile tower locations to trace the movements and communications of the accused. Last month, the CBI stated that these technological methods played a crucial role in gathering evidence that directly links the accused to the NEET UG 2024 paper leak.
The NEET UG scandal has sent shockwaves across the country, particularly among medical aspirants whose future has been jeopardised by the corruption surrounding the examination process. The CBI’s ongoing investigation continues to unfold, with further revelations expected as more individuals are brought to justice for their involvement in the paper leak.
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