June 24th 2024.
On a Monday morning in Patna, a team of investigators from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrived at the office of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police. Their purpose? To look into the allegations of irregularities surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), a medical entrance exam. This investigation was prompted by the Centre's decision to order a probe by the CBI, taking over from the EOU who had been handling the case thus far. According to officials, the EOU had already made 18 arrests in connection with the matter.
One official explained, "The CBI officers are currently gathering evidence from the EOU related to the case." It was on Sunday that the CBI had filed a First Information Report (FIR) in response to the protests and legal actions taken by students across the country, regarding the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam held on May 5. The Education Ministry had referred the case to the CBI for further investigation.
The EOU officer elaborated, "During their investigation, the EOU had collected several pieces of evidence, including burnt question papers recovered from a house in Patna, mobile phones of the arrested individuals, SIM cards, laptops, post-dated cheques, and question papers provided by the National Testing Agency." As of now, all those arrested are in judicial custody in Patna. However, the CBI team may take them to Delhi for more detailed interrogation, after obtaining transit remand from a local court.
The CBI is also considering filing multiple FIRs (First Information Reports) in connection with the case. One reason being to investigate the destruction of evidence, and another to take action against certain accused individuals who are public servants, for possessing disproportionate assets. The officer stated, "There is a possibility that a DA (Disproportionate Assets) case will be registered against one of the arrested individuals, Sikander Prasad Yadvendu, a junior engineer in Danapur Town Council. It is believed that his assets far exceed his known source of income." According to the officer, Yadvendu, originally from Samastipur, has been identified as the prime suspect in the case. "He has a history of criminal activities, having previously worked as a contractor in Ranchi before becoming a junior engineer in 2012. He has also been involved in a LED scam worth Rs 3 crore and has served jail time for his involvement," the officer added.
PTI
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