June 20th 2024.
During a press conference in Patna, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha made a shocking revelation on Thursday. He claimed that the prime accused in the NEET 'paper leak' case has connections with officials linked to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Sinha demanded a thorough investigation into this matter, expressing his concerns about the integrity of the examination.
According to Sinha, the arrested prime accused, Sikander Prasad Yadvendu, was in constant contact with an official associated with Yadav. He alleged that this official used to arrange accommodation for Sikander at various guest houses in Patna and other places. Sinha even had evidence in the form of messages sent by the official to arrange accommodation for Sikander.
Sinha revealed that he has the mobile number from which these messages were sent, and he believes that this matter needs to be thoroughly probed. He questioned the silence of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on this issue and also pointed out that there are reports suggesting that the accused was associated with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad when he was in judicial custody in Ranchi.
The Economic Offences Wing of Bihar Police has already arrested 13 people, including examinees, their parents, and the alleged mastermind Sikander Prasad Yadvendu, as part of their investigation into the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG 2024. Sinha condemned the corrupt practices of RJD leaders and expressed concern over the accused's association with Lalu Prasad during his judicial custody.
Despite repeated attempts by the press, no RJD leaders were available for comments on the allegations made by Sinha. However, sources have indicated that the Economic Offences Unit, which examined two more suspects on Wednesday, was presented with material evidence during the investigation.
It has been reported that the EOU has recovered post-dated cheques suspected to have been issued in favor of mafia or gang members who demanded a large sum of money from each candidate seeking the leaked question paper before the exam. Sources have revealed that six such post-dated cheques have already been recovered, and the EOU is now verifying the account holders' details.
The EOU has summoned seven additional candidates to join the probe, as they continue to uncover the distribution of NEET-UG question papers and answers to around 35 aspirants before the exam. The National Testing Agency conducted the NEET-UG 2024 at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, with more than 24 lakh candidates appearing for the exam. The results were declared on June 4, but students immediately raised allegations of irregularities when 67 students achieved top scores, amidst claims of question paper leaks in Bihar.
A group of candidates even approached the Supreme Court, demanding a fresh exam due to alleged paper leaks and concerns about the test's integrity. It has been suspected that nine aspirants, including four from Bihar who have already been arrested, received the question paper and answers at a 'safe house' near Patna a day before the exam. The police conducted a search at the rented premises, recovering mobile phones, admit cards, and other incriminating documents. The EOU also retrieved partially burnt question papers from the safe house.
The DIG mentioned that they have requested reference question papers from the NTA, but have not yet received a response. Once they obtain those, they will send the burnt question papers to the appropriate forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing, and the EOU is determined to get to the bottom of this case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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