NEET-UG Paper Leak: CBI Arrests Mastermind Rakesh Ranjan, Investigation Expands
New Delhi: In a breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Rakesh Ranjan, alias Rocky, identified as the mastermind behind the NEET-UG paper leak. Ranjan was apprehended this afternoon, and the CBI secured his 10-day custody from a court. The arrest is part of an extensive investigation involving coordinated raids at four locations—two near Patna in Bihar and two near Kolkata in West Bengal.
The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, has been shrouded in controversy following allegations of cheating and impersonation. The CBI’s investigation has already led to the arrest of over a dozen individuals, including the principal and vice-principal of a school in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Both state police forces and the CBI are working together to dismantle a national network involved in leaking question papers for competitive exams like NEET.
In recent developments, the CBI has filed six First Information Reports (FIRs), five of which pertain to separate cases in Bihar. Utilizing advanced investigative techniques, including detailed analysis of digital footprints such as IP addresses and email communications, the CBI has been able to track down and apprehend those involved.
“The arrest of Rakesh Ranjan is a crucial step towards uncovering the full extent of the malpractice that has compromised the integrity of one of India’s most important entrance examinations,” a CBI spokesperson said.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducted the NEET-UG exam, has faced severe criticism, leading to widespread protests and legal actions. In response to the controversy, the Union Health Ministry has postponed the NEET-PG 2024 examination, with new dates to be announced soon. Additionally, the government has replaced the chief of the NTA and formed a committee to review and improve its functioning.
These measures aim to restore trust in the examination process and ensure the integrity of future competitive exams. The CBI’s ongoing efforts are critical in dismantling the network behind the paper leak and preventing such incidents from recurring.
As the investigation continues, the CBI remains committed to pursuing leads and gathering evidence to bring all those involved to justice. The developments in this case highlight the need for stringent measures and technological advancements to safeguard the credibility of India’s educational examinations.
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