The probe into irregularities in this year’s NEET-UG for admission to undergraduate medical courses has hit a roadblock due to missing question paper samples, according to a senior officer from Bihar police’s Economic Offence Unit (EOU). The officer alleged that the National Testing Agency (NTA) did not provide question paper samples to match with a burnt booklet recovered a day before the May 5 exam from Patna, which has led to a delay in concluding the investigation.
The officer, who requested anonymity, stated that it was the responsibility of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take the probe forward, especially after the cases were transferred to them in Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan regarding NEET-UG irregularities. Despite multiple reminders, the NTA failed to provide the question paper samples, only sending them on June 20 when the EOU was called to Delhi. It was then discovered that the burnt booklet belonged to a center in Hazaribagh, prompting further investigation.
The process revealed that 68 questions from the NTA samples matched those in the burnt booklet, indicating a possible tampering of question papers. A team from Bihar police was dispatched to examine the tampered boxes used for transporting questions to the exam center, revealing further evidence of foul play. The boxes had been tampered with from the rear side, raising suspicions that the sanctity of the questions was compromised.
As the investigation progresses, the EOU is working to collaborate with the CBI and provide them with all credible evidence collected. The matter is now in the hands of the CBI, and a detailed report will be submitted to the Supreme Court. The officer emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of such exams and expressed concerns about potential similar situations at other exam centers.
The case has attracted significant attention, with a total of 18 accused individuals arrested in connection with the irregularities, and all of them will now be handed over to the CBI for further questioning. Stay tuned for more updates on the NEET probe on HeadlineFly.com.
