CBI Team Probing UGC-NET Exam Irregularities Attacked in Bihar, Four Arrested

In a recent development that has stirred concerns over the integrity of national examinations, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team investigating alleged irregularities in the UGC-NET examination faced hostility in Bihar's Nawada district. The incident, which took place on Saturday in Kasiyadih village within the Rajauli area, led to the arrest of four individuals by local police following a complaint from the central agency.

The confrontation occurred around 4:30 pm when the CBI officials, on the trail of suspects linked to a question paper leak case, were encircled and assaulted by a group of villagers. The Superintendent of Police of Nawada issued a statement detailing how police personnel, led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Rajauli police station, intervened promptly to defuse the situation and restore order.

It emerged that villagers mistook the CBI team for imposters, leading to the unfortunate altercation. The officials were in pursuit of a local, Phool Chand, suspected of involvement in leaking UGC-NET examination papers. During their search, two mobile phones were seized from Chand's residence, as confirmed by a senior police official from Nawada.

An FIR was lodged against those involved in obstructing government work and assault. The accused have since been taken into judicial custody. This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in executing their duties amidst misinformed public reactions.

Moreover, the CBI's probe into the UGC-NET paper leak case has widened, with a youth from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, being summoned to join the investigation at the CBI Headquarters in Delhi. This follows after an FIR was registered last Thursday against unidentified individuals based on a referral from the Union education ministry.

The UGC-NET 2024 exam, aimed at selecting junior research fellows, assistant professors, and PhD scholars, was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 18 across two shifts nationwide. However, allegations surfaced the next day about the exam paper being available on the darknet and purportedly sold for Rs 5-6 lakh on messaging platforms. These claims were brought to light by inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre I4C, indicating a potential compromise in the examination's integrity.

This incident not only highlights the vulnerabilities in conducting large-scale examinations but also reflects on the broader implications for educational standards and fairness. As investigations continue, it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring transparency and integrity in academic assessments.