NEET Row: CBI seizes burnt question papers, phones, and laptops from Bihar police | Know more

PTC News Desk: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar police, which was in charge of the investigation prior to the investigating agency taking over, provided all relevant information related to the alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case to a two-member team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday. 

The authorities of the Shastri Nagar Police station in the nation’s capital, where the initial complaint of the purported anomalies in the NEET examination was filed, were also met by the two CBI officials, a DIG and deputy SP rank officer, according to PTI. In the meantime, numerous student organizations have planned large-scale demonstrations against purported NEET exam corruption.

Key Updates on the NEET Controversy:

• Evidence Collection: The CBI gathered significant evidence from the Bihar Police’s EOU, including a partially burnt question paper found in a Patna residence, mobile phones, laptops, post-dated cheques, and reference question papers from the National Testing Agency (NTA), according to PTI.
• CBI Investigation: A two-member CBI team is expected to record statements from the 18 arrested individuals, including prime suspect Sikandar Yadavendu, his associates, some aspirants, and their parents. The central agency may seek a transit remand to bring the accused to Delhi for detailed interrogation.
• Potential FIRs and DA Cases: Officials indicate that the CBI may file FIRs related to evidence destruction and register disproportionate assets (DA) cases against certain public servant accused, as reported by PTI.
• Prime Suspect’s Background: Yadavendu, the prime suspect, reportedly has a criminal history and significant assets that exceed his known income.
• Student Protests: Various student unions, including SFI, TSU, DYFI, and TYF, organized large-scale protests against NEET exam corruption. Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll on students.
• Political Reactions: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged PM Modi to abolish NEET and revert to state-conducted exams due to the paper leak issue.
• RJD Allegations: RJD shared photos linking one of the accused, Amit Anand, to Nitish Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar’s family, calling for a thorough investigation into their connections with NDA leaders.
• Political Accusations: Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha alleged that the prime suspect is linked to officials associated with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
• Maharashtra’s Response: Amid NEET and UGC NET examination controversies, NCP leader Rohit Pawar led a delegation to meet Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais, advocating for state legislation to prevent paper leaks and irregularities similar to central laws.

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