CBI Arrests Two in Patna for NEET-UG Exam Irregularities

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two individuals, Manish Prakash and Ashutosh, in Patna, Bihar, for their involvement in alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam. According to a senior CBI official, Manish was responsible for transporting students to a school for exam preparation, while Ashutosh provided accommodation for the students.

These arrests mark the first in the ongoing NEET paper leak case. Both individuals have been produced in court. The CBI took over the NEET-UG paper leak case reported in Patna, as well as other cheating cases in Godhra, Gujarat, and impersonation cases in Rajasthan.

President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the government’s commitment to a fair investigation and stringent punishment for those found guilty of paper leaks. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the NEET-UG exam, is under scrutiny and facing protests and legal challenges. The Supreme Court has sought a response from the NTA by July 8 regarding a petition that claims inconsistent calculation of marks on the OMR sheets used in the NEET-UG 2024 exam.

The NEET-UG exam is crucial for admissions into medical and related courses in government and private institutions across India.