The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant progress in the investigation into the NEET exam paper leak, arresting two individuals in connection with the case from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Dr. Ehsaan Ul Haq, Principal of Oasis School, and Vice Principal Imtiaz Alam were apprehended for their alleged roles in the leak of NEET examination materials.
The investigation revealed that on May 5, booklet number 6136488, containing NEET exam papers, was leaked from Oasis School in Hazaribagh. Dr. Haq, who served as the city coordinator for the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Alam, the NTA’s city coordinator, were reportedly involved in the illegal procurement and distribution of the leaked papers. To evade detection, the leaked booklet was allegedly stored in a secured location at a local bank.
“CBI officials have conducted extensive inquiries, including statements from bank personnel and CCTV footage analysis, as part of their investigation,” sources familiar with the case stated to Times Now.
The NEET-UG (Undergraduate) examination, managed by the NTA, is a critical entrance test for admission to medical, dental, and related courses across India. This year, the exam took place on May 5 at 4,750 centers nationwide, with over 23 lakh candidates appearing for it. The magnitude of the leak has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
Earlier this week, the CBI had also arrested two individuals, Manish Kumar and Ashutosh Kumar, in Patna for allegedly facilitating the distribution of leaked question papers and answer keys to NEET aspirants. They provided accommodation to candidates where the compromised exam materials were reportedly handed out.
“Ashutosh Kumar, in particular, had rented premises named ‘Learn Boys Hostel and Play School’ in Patna, from where Bihar Police’s Economic Offence Unit recovered partially burnt NEET question papers,” officials revealed.
Both accused from Patna have been remanded to judicial custody after their initial appearance before a special court. The CBI intends to seek further custody for detailed interrogation to uncover the full extent of the paper leak and identify other potential accomplices.
The arrests underscore the gravity of the situation, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in the conduct of national-level examinations. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to tighten security measures to prevent future breaches and restore confidence in the fairness of competitive exams crucial for students’ futures.