Probe Suggests Paper Leak In NEET: Bihar Economic Offences Unit

The Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) is currently probing allegations of a paper leak during the NEET exam held on May 5. According to the Additional Director General of Police, NH Khan, there are indications of a leak, as reported by the Indian Express.

"We have been following up on leads obtained during our investigation, which strongly suggest a paper leak," Khan said.

The EOU has questioned the National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers NEET, and recent responses have prompted additional queries. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan acknowledged some issues at a few of the approximately 4,500 exam centers but maintained that the NEET exam was conducted satisfactorily nationwide. Pradhan denied any paper leak but assured that any confirmed wrongdoing would be met with appropriate action.

The EOU's SIT has confiscated admit cards, post-dated cheques, and certificates from individuals linked to an alleged organised inter-state gang. The SIT is also collecting evidence to trace the leak's origin and distribution route to exam centers.

Amid the investigation, it was revealed that a group had conducted a fake exam session at a school under the Ramakrishna Nagar police station, distributing NEET question papers with answers. This group, which included 35 candidates, was connected to the suspected gang. Burnt remains of question papers were found at the school, and several arrests have been made, including one Nitish Kumar from Gaya, previously detained for alleged involvement in a paper leak during the Bihar Teacher's Recruitment Exam on March 15.

The EOU initiated the probe following reports of possible malpractice during NEET exams at various centers in Patna on May 5, leading to a case filed at the Shastri Nagar police station.