CBI Files Third Chargesheet in NEET Paper Theft Case
Overview of the Incident
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a third chargesheet in the NEET paper theft case in Patna. This chargesheet, presented before the Special Judge Court for CBI in Patna, names 21 accused individuals. They face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Details of the Theft
The investigation revealed that the NEET UG 2024 question paper was stolen from the control room of OASIS School in Hazaribagh on May 5. The theft occurred after the trunks containing the question papers arrived from the bank vault. The chargesheet includes over 5500 pages, citing 298 witnesses, 290 documents, and 45 material objects.
Key Accused and Their Actions
According to the CBI, Pankaj Kumar was allowed entry into the control room by the school’s Principal, Ahsanul Haque, and Vice Principal, Imtiyaz Alam. Pankaj tampered with the trunk, photographed the question paper, and resealed the trunk. He then handed the photographs to his accomplice, Surendra Kumar Sharma, at Raj Guest House in Hazaribagh.
Distribution of the Stolen Papers
The stolen question papers were printed and given to a group of MBBS students who solved them. The solved papers were distributed to candidates at the guest house and sent digitally to predetermined locations. Only those who paid in advance could access these locations.
Ongoing Investigation
The CBI found half-burnt pieces of the question paper at Learn Play School, Patna, which led them to OASIS School. So far, 49 individuals have been arrested, and three chargesheets have been filed against 40 accused. Further investigation is underway.
Doubts Revealed
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is India’s main agency for investigating serious crimes and corruption cases.
Chargesheet -: A chargesheet is a document filed by the police or investigating agency in court, listing the charges against the accused in a criminal case.
NEET -: NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It is an important exam in India for students who want to study medicine or dental courses.
Patna -: Patna is the capital city of the Indian state of Bihar. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world.
Hazaribagh -: Hazaribagh is a city in the Indian state of Jharkhand. It is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife sanctuary.
Accomplices -: Accomplices are people who help someone commit a crime. They are also considered guilty for their role in the crime.
