Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Rakesh Ranjan, also known as Rocky, a central figure in the NEET-UG paper leak scandal. Rocky, who was apprehended in Dhanbad, has been remanded to CBI custody for 10 days following his court appearance.
Authorities traced Rocky to his location using advanced technology. This breakthrough comes as part of the investigation into the paper leak case that spans from Hazaribagh to Patna. The CBI also conducted searches at four locations in Patna and West Bengal associated with the accused.
Rocky is reportedly related to Sanjeev Mukhia, another mastermind in the scandal. The CBI has been on Rocky’s trail since assuming control of the investigation. His arrest occurred on Thursday morning, according to officials.
On the same day, the Supreme Court deferred the NEET-UG 2024 hearing, citing that not all parties had received the latest affidavits from the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA). The hearing is now rescheduled for July 18, delaying the decision on petitions for a re-conduct of NEET-UG 2024 due to the alleged leaks and other malpractices.
Earlier in the week, the CBI conducted searches at 15 locations in Bihar and Jharkhand, gathering evidence pertinent to the case. The agency had previously arrested the principal and vice principal of Oasis School in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, along with two others who allegedly provided premises to NEET candidates. Burnt question papers were found at these locations by Bihar Police.
The CBI has filed six FIRs related to the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam. One FIR in Bihar pertains to paper leaks, while others from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra involve instances of candidate impersonation and cheating. This comprehensive investigation was initiated following a reference from the Union Education Ministry to thoroughly probe the exam irregularities.
NEET-UG, administered by the NTA, serves as a gateway for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and related courses in both government and private institutions. This year’s exam, held on May 5, saw over 23 lakh candidates across 4,750 centers in 571 cities, including 14 overseas locations.
