Maharashtra TET paper leak mastermind Bijendra Gupta arrested in Bihar

The alleged mastermind behind the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, Bijendra Gupta, has been arrested in Bihar after weeks on the run, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile investigation into one of the country's biggest examination fraud cases.

Gupta, who investigators believe has links to multiple examination paper leak cases across India, had evaded arrest despite sustained raids by Maharashtra Police across several locations in Bihar. Another accused was also apprehended during the operation, officials said.

His arrest comes days after Maharashtra Police cracked down on the alleged interstate racket by arresting several accused, including Gupta's wife, Suman Gupta. While others were taken into custody, Gupta had remained absconding, triggering an intensive multi-state manhunt.

The investigation exposed alleged vulnerabilities in the National Testing Agency's (NTA) examination system, with Gupta claiming that criminal networks exploited these loopholes to orchestrate paper leaks.

Investigators believe Gupta played a central role in coordinating multiple examination paper leak operations across the country, making him one of the most wanted accused in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case.

Maharashtra Police is expected to bring Gupta to the state on transit remand for detailed questioning. Officials are also examining his suspected links to other examination fraud networks operating across different states.

Wife among those arrested earlier

Among those arrested earlier was Gupta's wife, Suman Gupta, who was taken into custody in Bihar. Investigators allege she was aware of the paper leak syndicate and that several financial transactions linked to the racket were conducted in her presence.

Police are also probing whether proceeds from the alleged paper leak network were used to acquire assets, including properties in Delhi and Patna.

Earlier this month, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested three more accused — Kapil Dahiya, Mithun Singh and Sonu Singh — in a significant breakthrough.

According to investigators, Kapil Dahiya, a resident of Haryana's Sonipat district, allegedly travelled to Mumbai to identify prospective buyers and facilitate the sale of leaked TET question papers. Mithun Singh, arrested in Bihar, is accused of distributing the leaked papers in Pune and is believed to have maintained close links with the core network.

Sonu Singh, arrested from Bihar's Hajipur, allegedly prepared forged identity documents for Gupta and played a crucial logistical role in keeping the syndicate operational. Investigators suspect examination papers were printed using facilities linked to him and have recovered fake identity cards allegedly created for Gupta. Police believe Sonu had known Gupta for years and was a key member of the interstate network.

Probe began before the exam

The investigation began after police arrested three suspects — Akash Kumar, Rajiv Kumar and Dheeraj Singh — who were allegedly attempting to sell leaked TET question papers in Thane's Kongaon area ahead of the June 28 examination.

Following the arrests, the Maharashtra State Council of Examination postponed the TET, affecting nearly six lakh candidates. The SIT subsequently widened its investigation across multiple states to dismantle the alleged paper leak syndicate and trace every member of the network.