NEET Paper Leak: Cops Bust 'Solver Gang', Arrest Mastermind Ravi Atri

The arrest of Ravi Atri, accused of orchestrating the NEET-UG 2024 exam paper leak, has brought to light significant concerns about the integrity of one of India's most prestigious medical entrance exams.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Atri amid widespread protests from students demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged leak.

Photo Credit: PTI

The NEET-UG 2024 exam, held on May 5, saw an unusual 67 students scoring a perfect 720. The National Testing Agency (NTA) initially attributed this anomaly to grace marks awarded for a faulty question and logistical delays at certain exam centers.

However, a probe by Bihar police uncovered evidence of a leaked exam paper, igniting nationwide outrage and calls for accountability.

Ravi Atri, a resident of Neemka village in Greater Noida, has a notorious history of involvement in exam paper leaks.His arrest follows revelations of a sophisticated scheme where solved question papers were disseminated via social media through a network dubbed the 'solver gang.'

Atri's criminal activities date back to 2012, when he was first arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for leaking medical entrance exam papers.

The NEET-UG 2024 exam was taken by nearly 24 lakh aspiring medical students, with results announced on June 4.

Despite the NTA's efforts to address the situation, accusations of a widespread leak persisted, leading to legal actions and intervention by the Supreme Court. The court criticised the NTA's handling of the incident, further intensifying the scrutiny.

Investigations led by the Bihar Police initially nabbed several individuals, including a student and accomplices, who were linked to the leak. Interrogations revealed connections to Ravi Atri, prompting the UP STF to apprehend him.

Atri's background includes a stint in Kota for medical exam preparation, which he cleared in 2012, gaining admission to PGIMS Rohtak.

However, he did not sit for the fourth-year exam, having by then become deeply entrenched in the 'exam mafia,' aiding in the distribution of leaked papers and serving as a proxy for other candidates.