A junior engineer from Danapur, Bihar, has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for his involvement in stealing and leaking the NEET-UG 2024 question paper. This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a significant scandal affecting the prestigious medical entrance examination. The engineer, identified as Sikandar Yadvendu, allegedly played a pivotal role in distributing the leaked papers, leading to widespread outrage and demands for a thorough investigation.
The case centers around the National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the NEET-UG exam. The breach was discovered when multiple top-ranking students scored unusually high marks, prompting allegations of malpractice. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the question papers had been leaked ahead of the exam, compromising the integrity of the testing process. The incident has led to a series of arrests, including the mastermind behind the operation, Sanjeev Mukhiya, who allegedly facilitated the distribution of the papers to selected candidates.
The scandal came to light after the NEET-UG results were announced, showing an unprecedented number of students achieving perfect scores. This raised suspicions and led to a closer examination of the exam process. It was found that the leaked papers had been provided to students in a boys’ hostel in Patna, run by Mukhiya. The students had received the papers along with answer sheets, giving them an unfair advantage over others.
In addition to the arrests, the CBI has registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) and continues to interrogate suspects. The investigation has expanded beyond Bihar, with arrests in other states, including Gujarat and Uttarakhand. The Supreme Court of India is also involved, hearing several petitions related to the allegations and considering the possibility of ordering a re-test for affected candidates. The court has emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry to ensure the fairness of the examination process.
This incident has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the government for failing to prevent such breaches. The Union government, supported by data analytics from IIT-Madras, has argued against claims of widespread malpractice, stating that their analysis showed no significant irregularities. However, the court has insisted on a detailed investigation to uncover the extent of the leak and its impact on the examination results.
As the investigation continues, there are calls for stricter security measures and reforms in the examination process to prevent future incidents. The NTA has been urged to enhance its protocols and ensure that such breaches do not occur again. The controversy has also led to debates about the credibility of the NEET-UG exam and the need for a more secure and transparent testing system.
The NEET-UG 2024 scandal is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the examination system and the need for continuous vigilance to maintain its integrity. The arrests and ongoing investigation highlight the serious nature of the breach and the efforts being made to address the issue comprehensively. As the legal proceedings and investigations progress, the focus remains on ensuring a fair resolution for all affected candidates and restoring trust in the examination process.
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