On June 6, during a public event in Rajgir, Nalanda district, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was photographed alongside Pradeep Kumar. The image quickly went viral on social media, prompting BJP to question why Gandhi would appear with someone linked to notorious exam scams. “Congress ecosystem had created so much outrage over the issue, and now they’re seen together,” critics noted, accusing the party of downplaying its own outrage.
Do you know who this man is, the one Rahul Gandhi is shaking hands with?
His name is Pradeep, nephew of Sanjeev Mukhiya.And do you know who Sanjeev Mukhiya is?
He's the main accused in the NEET paper leak.Congress ecosystem had created so much outrage over the issue, and now… pic.twitter.com/EIVYka3Zct
— Mr Sinha (@Mrsinha) June 20, 2025
Who Is Pradeep Kumar?
Pradeep Kumar, recently arrested and later granted bail, is implicated in the BPSC paper leak scandal and is identified as Sanjeev Mukhiya’s nephew. He allegedly lives with Dr. Shiv, Mukhiya’s son. Sanjeev Mukhiya, the main accused in the NEET‑UG 2024 paper leak, has faced decades of involvement in exam fraud; his son remains jailed over a BPSC paper leak. Pradeep is also reportedly central to a teacher‑recruitment paper leak in Bihar—arranging prints of leaked copies via pen drives and cyber‑cafes.
Political Repercussions and Congress Response
Political Fallout and Congress Response BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra condemned Rahul Gandhi’s association, accusing him of supporting those who undermine the education system by cheating in crucial exams like NEET. In response, Congress dismissed these claims. Spokesperson Gyan Ranjan clarified that the youth in the picture has no links to Sanjeev Mukhiya, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. Despite Congress’s defence, the image has stirred significant debate and controversy within Bihar’s political circles.
From Protest Podiums to Photo Controversies
Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly spoken out against paper leak scandals, labeling them a betrayal of India’s youth. He even likened these scams to the symbolic “cutting off of students’ thumbs,” invoking Eklavya’s story to dramatise his stance. He vowed to raise the BPSC scam in Parliament and visited Patna earlier this year to stand with protesting students who were subjected to police action. However, all that posturing now seems questionable after a photo emerged showing him with Pradeep Kumar, a repeat offender in exam scams.
