The scandal surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 test continues to escalate, with the arrest of four people in Maharashtra adding to the intricacy of the alleged question paper leak. This development comes amid countrywide student demonstrations calling for a fair and transparent assessment procedure.
Maharashtra Arrests and Suspicious Activity:
On June 24th, 2024, Maharashtra Police apprehended four individuals, including two teachers from Latur, Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Umarkhan Pathan. The Nanded Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) initially detained them on suspicion of involvement in a scam related to the NEET exam. After questioning and releasing them on Sunday morning, the authorities rearrested them alongside Iranna Mashnaji Kongalwar from Dharashiv district and a Delhi resident named Gangadhar.
Also Read: Supreme Court Demands Action from NTA on NEET UG Controversies
An FIR (First Information Report) has been lodged against all four under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The FIR alleges that the accused operated a racket, selling confidential exam information to students for hefty sums. The investigation revealed suspicious messages related to exam hall tickets and financial transactions on the phones of the arrested teachers.
Possible Network and Mastermind:
According to a police official, the investigation suggests a potential network beyond the initial arrests. Authorities believe Jadhav might have passed on hall ticket details to Kongalwar, who then forwarded them to Gangadhar in Delhi. Gangadhar is suspected to be the mastermind behind the leak, potentially operating from the national capital. This revelation points towards a more elaborate operation than initially thought.
Maharashtra Investigation and the Wider CBI Probe:
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Latur Deputy Commissioner of Police has been created to look further into the Maharashtra issue. This inquiry is parallel to the ongoing CBI investigation into suspected anomalies in NEET-UG across the country. The CBI investigation was launched in response to a reference from the Union Education Ministry and claims of question paper leaks and suspiciously high scores given to over 1,500 students.
Impact and Concerns:
The Maharashtra arrests and the emerging hall ticket angle raise serious concerns about the security of the NEET exam. The system’s trust is further eroded when the potential involvement of teachers, who are responsible for the guidance and counselling of students, is considered. This incident has provoked anger among students who laboured studiously in their preparation for the exam and shows the ease with which examinations can be manipulated.
Also Read: NEET-UG 2024 Under Scrutiny: SC Demands Answers from NTA
Looking Ahead:
The continuing investigations in Maharashtra and by the CBI are critical for determining the scope of the suspected anomalies in NEET-UG 2024. The results from these probes will dictate the subsequent stages, which might include:
- Cancellation of the NEET-UG exam and a re-test for all students.
- Legal action against those found to be involved in the leak.
- Implementation of stricter security measures, including robust digital safeguards and stricter vigilance during exams, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NEET controversy has exposed vulnerabilities in the medical entrance exam system. Ensuring a fair and transparent NEET-UG exam for all students remains paramount. The ongoing investigations hold immense significance in achieving this objective and restoring faith in the integrity of the examination process.
