Patna High Court Grants CBI Custody to 13 in NEET-UG Paper Leak Case

The Patna High Court has given the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody of 13 people arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case. These individuals were initially arrested by the Patna Police. The CBI will now interrogate them and confront them with the alleged mastermind, Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky, who is also in CBI custody.

Rakesh Ranjan was arrested in Nalanda, Bihar, following a planned operation by the CBI. His arrest marks a significant step forward in the investigation. A senior CBI official mentioned that the agency conducted raids at four locations near Patna and in Kolkata before arresting Ranjan.

The CBI’s investigation has led to the arrest of over a dozen suspects involved in the leak and distribution of the NEET exam papers. The agency has used advanced techniques to track digital footprints, including IP addresses and email communications, to locate and identify those involved.

The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, has been surrounded by controversy due to allegations of cheating and impersonation. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the exam, has faced severe criticism, resulting in protests and legal actions. The Union Health Ministry has postponed the NEET-PG 2024 exam, with new dates to be announced soon. The government has also replaced the chief of the NTA and formed a committee to review and improve its functioning.

The NEET-UG examination is the pathway for admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related courses in government and private institutions across India. The 2024 exam was held at 4,750 centers, with around 24 lakh candidates appearing.