NEET Controversy: Hours After Taking Over Investigation, CBI Files FIR In 'Paper Leak' Case

CBI has filed an FIR in the the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, hours after Centre handed over the matter to it for comprehensive probe.

CBI has filed an FIR in the the alleged NEET-UG paper leak matter.

Source : PTI

Just hours after Centre entrusted the probe of alleged irregularities in NEET (UG) Examination 2024 to the Central Bureau of Investigation, the central probe agency filed an FIR to investigate the matter amidst the ongoing row.

The officials said that the CBI registered a fresh case against unidentified persons under Sections 120B and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, based on the complaint received from Secretary, Department of Education, CBI said in its statement.

"It has been alleged in the complaint that University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs on 19.06.2024 from National Cyber Crime Threat Analysis Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Co-ordination Centre(I4C) under Union Ministry of Home Affairs that integrity of UGC Net -2024 Examination, conducted by National Testing Agency(NTA) on 18.06.2024 in two shifts across different cities in the country, may have been compromised," the statement read.

Besides, CBI has formed special teams to investigate the matter on top priority. These teams are being sent to Godhra and Patna, where local police cases were registered, news agency ANI reported.

Meanwhile, the Bihar Government has decided to hand over the NEET UG examination case to the CBI.

EOU DIG Nayyar Hasnain Khan told news agency ANI that the CBI team is expected to reach soon in Patna to take over the probe of the case. Economic Offences Unit will hand over all the updated case records to CBI.

The Education ministry surrendered to the demands of several students protesting in various cities, seeking an investigation into alleged malpractices.

"Certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, impersonation and malpractice have been reported in NEET-UG which was conducted on May 5," PTI quoted a senior education ministry official as saying.

Centre Hands Over Matter To CBI

"For transparency in the conduct of the examination process, it was decided after a review that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive investigation," the official added.

The Central Government had also notified the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, on Saturday, aimed at preventing unfair means in the public examinations. 

While entrusting the matter to CBI, the Ministry of Education stated in an official statement that there were reports of certain cases of alleged irregularities, cheating, malpractices, and impersonation in the NEET-UG ecxamination conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 5 in OMR mode, which was attempted by 24 lakh students.

"For transparency on the conduct of the examination process, the Ministry of Education, Government of India after a review has decided to entrust the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for comprehensive investigation," the statement read.

Government, further said, that it is committed to ensure that the sanctity of examinations and the students' interest remains protected.

"It is reiterated that any individual/ organization found to be involved will face strictest action," the statement noted.

The CBI registered the case the same day as 1563 students, who  received grace marks in the NEET-UG exam 2024, re-appared for the medical entrance exam today.