Three More Detained Amidst Expanding Investigation
Seven individuals now in custody as authorities deepen their scrutiny into the alleged leak of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) question papers. The latest detentions, announced in recent days, involve Sonu Singh, Mithun Singh, and Kapil Dahiya. These arrests were made by a state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) and followed earlier detentions. The accused were presented before a local magistrate and placed in police custody.
The probe, initially centered in Bhiwandi, has now expanded across state lines, with arrests occurring in Punjab and Bihar. This suggests a syndicated operation potentially involving multiple locations for document forgery and paper distribution. One of the newly apprehended individuals, Sonukumar Kushweshwar Singh, reportedly operates a photoshop center and is accused of creating fake identity documents for the primary suspect, Bijendar Gupta. His involvement, along with Mithunkumar Sublal Singh, allegedly includes the reproduction of leaked exam materials.
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Examining the Fallout
The ramifications of the alleged leak have been significant, leading to the postponement of the TET examination originally scheduled for June 28. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) cited the need for "absolute transparency" and a thorough investigation as reasons for the deferral. Revised examination dates are expected to be announced on the official MSCE website.
Authorities recovered multiple sets of TET question papers during initial arrests, suggesting an intent to profit from the sale of leaked material. Investigators estimate a potential deal worth around ₹1.5 crore. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle an alleged inter-state syndicate and locate absconding suspects, including Bijendar Gupta and Kapil Dahiya. Earlier, the wife of the alleged mastermind, Suman Kumari Gupta, was apprehended in Patna.
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The seized items during the investigation reportedly include a wide array of documents and currency, such as mobile phones, cash, debit and ATM cards, PAN cards, voter identity cards, and both Indian and Nepalese currency. These items are believed to provide crucial leads into the broader network. The Maharashtra Competitive Examination Act, under which offenses have been registered, carries non-bailable clauses.
This latest incident follows recent nationwide scrutiny over examination irregularities, referencing a similar controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination. The scale of the TET exam affects approximately six lakh candidates.
