CBI Arrests main suspect in NEET-UG paper leak from Patna

Alleged mastermind Rocky also organized exam solvers, recruiting MBBS students from Patna and Ranchi.

EPN Desk 12 July 2024 08:34

Image: NEET-UG Paper leak mastermind Rakesh Ranjan, also known as Rocky

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Rakesh Ranjan, also known as Rocky on July 11, the alleged mastermind behind the NEET-UG paper leak in Bihar, from Patna.

Following his arrest, the CBI conducted searches at various locations linked to him in Patna and Kolkata, uncovering several incriminating documents, according to officials.

A local court has granted the CBI 10-day custody of Rocky for further interrogation.

Sources indicate that Rocky previously operated a hotel in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He is accused of leaking the NEET-UG question paper and passing it to an individual named Chintu, who then distributed and printed the papers along with the answers for students.

Rocky is also the nephew of Sanjeev Mukhia, another suspect in the NEET paper leak case.

In addition to leaking the papers, Rocky arranged for solvers to take the NEET-UG exams on behalf of other students.

Several MBBS students from Patna and Ranchi were recruited by Rocky to serve as these solvers.

Rocky's arrest follows the detention of two other individuals, including a candidate, from Patna earlier this week.

The CBI had previously arrested NEET-UG aspirant Sunny from Nalanda and Ranjit Kumar, the father of another candidate from Gaya.

To date, the CBI has apprehended nine individuals in connection with the Bihar NEET-UG paper leak case.

The investigation has also led to arrests in Gujarat's Latur and Godhra, and one in Dehradun related to a broader conspiracy.

The CBI launched this investigation in response to widespread student protests over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance exam.

As part of their probe, the CBI has registered six FIRs related to the case. One FIR from Bihar pertains to paper leaks, while others from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra involve cases of impersonation and cheating during the exam.

Rocky's arrest marks the ninth in Bihar for the NEET-UG paper leak case. Several additional arrests have been made in other states, including Gujarat and Uttarakhand.