📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express
The recent scandal surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak has raised serious concerns in both Jharkhand and Bihar. In a shocking turn of events, investigators discovered a chain of custody breach involving an e-rickshaw being used to transport question papers. The laxity on the part of the courier and transport companies tasked with ferrying the papers has come under scrutiny, further escalating the controversy.
The investigation conducted in Bihar and Jharkhand revealed that a courier company operating between Ranchi and Hazaribagh displayed lackadaisical behavior in handling the question papers. The company handed over nine packets containing the NEET question papers to a transport company, which failed to deliver them to the designated strongrooms. Instead, the packets were dropped at a sub-centre in Hazaribagh and transported via an e-rickshaw to the banks, raising suspicions of negligence.
Subsequent CCTV footage revealed the questionable handling of the papers, pointing towards a breach in the chain of custody. The investigation by Bihar’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) culminated in the arrest of six individuals from Jharkhand’s Deoghar, who were living in disguise as laborers from Bihar.
The issue extended beyond the physical transport of papers, with allegations of paper leaks and irregularities plaguing the examination process. The Supreme Court’s intervention, subsequent retest announcements, and demands for a CBI probe highlighted the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, political parties and student unions, including the Aam Aadmi Party and leaders from Karnataka, raised concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability in the NEET examination. Calls for thorough investigations and strict actions against those involved in the scandal reverberated across the nation.
As the controversy unfolds, the integrity of the NEET-UG examination and the future of aspiring medical students hang in the balance. The recent revelations shed light on systemic challenges and vulnerabilities within the education system, underscoring the need for robust measures to safeguard the sanctity of competitive exams.
