CBI Files First Chargesheet In NEET-UG Paper Leak Case, Names 13 Including Four Candidates And Two Kingpins

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday (1 August) filed its first chargesheet in the NEET-UG paper leak case, naming 13 people.

Among the accused are four candidates, a junior engineer, and two masterminds.

The paper leak for the medical entrance exam incited protests nationwide and calls for a re-test, though the Supreme Court ruled out such measures, citing no systemic breach.

According to CBI officials, some students' parents were also named in the document. They added that a supplementary chargesheet would be filed as investigations progress.

The chargesheet identifies Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand as the two kingpins. The accused candidates named in the document are Ayush Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, and Shivnandan Kumar.

Additionally, Sikander Yadvendu, a junior engineer from Danapur Town Council, is also among those charged.

All 13 accused are booked under sections dealing with criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy.

During its investigation so far, the central agency believes that Nitish Kumar, a resident of Patna's Gopalpur, is the main accused and allegedly one of four "setters".

He, along with Amit Anand and Sikander Yadvendu, hatched a conspiracy to leak the paper for a price of Rs 30-32 lakh per student.

Investigations revealed that Yadvendu informed Kumar and Anand that he had four students willing to purchase the papers.

"Four students were called by Amit on the night of May 4 (the eve of the exam) and made to solve the leaked question paper and memorise answers," states the chargesheet, NDTV reported.

According to an official, CBI utilised advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence, CCTV footage, and location analysis, among others, to gather evidence against the accused, which has been submitted to the court.

"The CBI is continuing further investigation against other accused/suspects and on other aspects of the case. Several other accused are already in custody. When the investigation against the other people is complete, one or more supplementary chargesheets will be filed," the official said.

To date, the CBI has arrested 40 people in this case, including 15 initially arrested by Bihar Police, and has conducted searches at 58 locations.

Patna Police initially registered the case into the alleged NEET-UG irregularities on 5 May, which was later transferred to the CBI on 23 June. The first chargesheet has been filed by the agency within 38 days.

The CBI has registered six first information reports (FIRs) so far.

The FIR from Bihar is on the paper leaks, while those from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra involve candidate impersonation and cheating.

Another FIR, based on a reference from the Union education ministry, is for a comprehensive investigation into alleged NEET-UG 2024 irregularities.

The NEET-UG is conducted by the NTA for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in government and private institutions.

Held on 5 May across India, the exam saw participation from over 23 lakh students.

Allegations of paper leaks and arbitrary grace marks to over 1,500 students sparked protests and opposition criticism against the government.

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