NEET-UG Scandal: CBI Probes, Teachers Arrested

NEET-UG Controversy: CBI Takes Over More Cases in Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat; Two Teachers Arrested in Maharashtra

The CBI has taken over five new cases involving alleged cheating in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Additionally, two school teachers were arrested in Maharashtra on Monday. This is happening amid political tensions, with opposition parties ready to confront the central government in Parliament over the issue.

Previously handled by local police, the new cases involve investigations from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar. In Maharashtra, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested two school teachers from Latur and filed a case against four individuals linked to a cheating racket in NEET-UG.

The CBI is now investigating a total of six cases. On June 22, amidst protests and legal actions, the central government removed National Testing Agency (NTA) director-general Subodh Singh and handed the NEET-UG probe to the CBI.

CBI officials confirmed that they have re-registered one case each from Gujarat and Bihar, and three from Rajasthan as their own FIRs. They are also expected to take up the Latur case. Most cases, except the one from Bihar, involve isolated incidents of impersonation and cheating by local officials, invigilators, and candidates.

The economic offences unit (EOU) of Bihar Police arrested five more individuals on Sunday, bringing the total number of arrests to 18.

Maharashtra Case Details

In Latur, Maharashtra, a racket was uncovered that helped NEET students cheat in exchange for money. The Nanded ATS unit charged four people, including two school teachers, a Nanded resident, and a man from Delhi.

Teachers Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Khan Umar Khan Pathan were arrested. The other two, identified as Iranna Mashnaji Kongalwav from Nanded and Gangadhar from Delhi, are currently on the run. The case was registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

Jadhav was caught on Monday night, while Pathan was arrested late Sunday. According to the Latur DSP’s office, the ATS received a tip-off about the cheating racket. Suspicious information regarding the NEET 2024 exam was found on one of the accused’s mobile phones. Jadhav and Pathan, who runs a private coaching center, are involved in this scheme.

NTA Developments

Pradeep Singh Kharola took charge of the NTA on Monday and held meetings with officials. The education ministry has formed a seven-member panel led by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan to review the NTA’s operations and recommend exam reforms. This is the first of several steps to improve the exam process, prevent cheating, enhance data security, and reform the NTA.

The Centre also released rules under the new anti-paper leak law, instructing the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) to set standards and guidelines for computer-based tests and other examinations.

Political Reactions

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abolish NEET, suggesting a return to state-conducted exams and calling for strict action against those involved in the cheating scandal.

Opposition MPs have demanded answers from the Centre in Parliament, claiming the issue causes hardship for students. As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took his oath in the Lok Sabha, opposition members shouted “NEET, NEET.”

The Centre has faced criticism over the paper leak. Mamata Banerjee suggested restoring the previous system of state exams to regain students’ trust. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai argued that the problem goes beyond individual arrests, indicating a larger network involved in the scandal.

Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha accused officials linked to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of being involved, while RJD MP Manoj Jha pointed fingers at JD(U) and BJP leaders.

Following a paper leak in the medical entrance exam and the cancellation of UGC-NET due to compromised integrity, both cases are now under CBI investigation. Two other exams, NEET-PG and CSIR-UGC NET, were also canceled. The Congress-affiliated NSUI protested in Delhi, with several students detained before a planned march to Parliament.

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