The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained five individuals in connection with the compromised NEET-UG examination, which was subsequently called off. Searches are reportedly unfolding across various locations as the agency digs into the alleged paper leak. The arrests, which occurred on Wednesday, target individuals from Jaipur, Gurugram, and Nashik. This development follows the CBI's decision to take over the investigation, reportedly on Tuesday.
The agency has also paid a visit to the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for administering the exam, to collect relevant documents. Officials indicated that further questioning of other suspects is underway, and more detentions may follow.
The Alleged Network
Among those apprehended are three individuals identified as Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, and Dinesh Biwal, all reportedly from Jaipur. Also detained are Yash Yadav from Gurugram and Shubham Khairnar from Nashik. Khairnar was reportedly taken into custody by Nashik Police on Tuesday, subsequent to a request from Rajasthan Police.
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"They were taken away 3-4 days ago,” said their mother, Prabhu Devi, referring to the Biwal brothers.
Sources suggest that Khairnar may have been the conduit for obtaining the leaked paper, with Yadav allegedly receiving it from him. The familial connections among the Biwal trio are also a focal point, with reports indicating Mangilal Biwal and Dinesh Biwal are brothers, and Vikas Biwal is Dinesh's son.
Wider Implications and Reactions
The ongoing investigation and the arrests come amid escalating protests and demands for significant reforms within the NTA. Calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have also surfaced.
"The paper leak and cancellation of the exam were proof of structural flaws and demanded that it be abolished and states permitted to fill seats on their own based on Class 12 marks," stated Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.
Political scrutiny has also intensified, with some accusations attempting to link arrested individuals to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, BJP state vice president Mukesh Dadhich has stated that Dinesh Biwal holds no official party post. The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) had initially initiated a preliminary inquiry and reportedly detained 15 individuals earlier for their suspected involvement.
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The disruption to the NEET-UG exam, held on May 3rd, has cast a shadow over the aspirations of countless students. The exact point of the leak is still under scrutiny, with some sources pointing towards Nashik.
