NEET-UG Paper Leak Scandal

The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak scandal involved the alleged theft, circulation, and sale of question papers ahead of the medical entrance examination conducted on May 5, 2024. According to investigations, the question paper was allegedly stolen from a control room in Hazaribagh after being transported from a bank vault. Authorities alleged that brokers charged medical aspirants between thirty lakh and fifty lakh rupees in exchange for providing them with the leaked questions prior to the exam.

Initial investigations were handled by the Bihar Police and the Economic Offences Unit of the Bihar Police, which led to multiple arrests including examinees, family members, a school principal, a vice-principal, and other suspects. Following widespread controversy and petitions, the Central Government transferred the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation on June 22, 2024. The CBI examined the conspiracy, circulation methods, and beneficiaries, ultimately filing chargesheets against dozens of accused individuals.

Trial proceedings formally began before a special CBI court in Patna, presided over by Special Judge Mohammad Rustam. The prosecution presented its first witness, the former Director General of the National Testing Agency, who was cross-examined by the defence. While charges were framed against over fifty accused, the CBI did not file a chargesheet against one named suspect due to insufficient evidence of his involvement in the theft or distribution.

Not yet reported: The articles do not specify the final court judgments or sentences for any of the accused facing trial.