'Munna Bhai' Service, Solver Gang: A Rundown On NEET Paper Leak Scam

The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam has highlighted major flaws in India's examination system. The involvement of a 'solver gang' in leaking exam papers and providing proxy candidates has sparked nationwide concern.

The NEET-UG exam, a crucial medical entrance test in India, was held in May but had to be cancelled in Bihar after an investigation revealed the paper had been leaked.

Photo Credit: PTI

An unusually high number of perfect scores (720) initially raised suspicions, which were later confirmed by the Bihar Police. The police identified Ravi Atri, the head of a nationwide 'solver gang', as the mastermind behind the leak.

Atri's gang specialised in obtaining exam papers ahead of time and distributing them via social media to candidates willing to pay for guaranteed success, reported NDTV. Additionally, the gang offered a 'Munna Bhai' service, where proxies would sit for exams on behalf of paying candidates, ensuring high scores.

Key Figures

Ravi Atri: A former medical aspirant who turned to the exam mafia after dropping out of the MBBS course from the reputed PGIMS Rohtak. He leveraged his connections within the exam mafia to leak papers and provide proxies.

Sanjeev Mukhiya: Another important figure in the network, involved in multiple exam paper leaks. His operations extended across various states, impacting constable and teacher recruitment exams. Mukhiya's potential escape to Nepal adds a layer of complexity to the investigation due to extradition challenges.

Centre's Response

The NTA faced severe criticism for mishandling the situation, leading to protests and legal actions. The Supreme Court intervened, rebuking the NTA for its approach. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ruled out the cancellation of NEET, stressing on the need to protect the careers of students who cleared the exam legitimately.

To address the issue, the Centre has initiated a CBI probe and enforced a stringent law aimed at curbing exam malpractices. This law includes a maximum jail term of 10 years and fines up to Rs 1 crore for offenders.