The nation is in turmoil over the leak of medical exam papers. Students are protesting in the streets while educators are caught in a legal snarl. Amidst this, Aaj Tak has unraveled a significant disclosure through its Special Investigation Team. They've unmasked an individual linked to the exam paper leak mafia, predicted just months ago. His name is Bijendra Gupta. In an exclusive with Aaj Tak, Bijendra Gupta not only confessed to his illicit activities but also spilled secrets about the mastermind behind the NEET leaks, Sanjeev Mukhiya.
In a covert operation, Bijendra Gupta admitted on Aaj Tak’s hidden camera that the NEET exam paper was in his possession two hours before the exam commenced. He expressed no fear of jail or punitive action, boldly stating, "If I'm jailed today, I'll be out on bail tomorrow and back in the game the day after. We don't fear the police force, there's none that can make Bijendra Gupta reveal anything about the paper leaks even under the force of 5000 sticks."
Who is Bijendra Gupta?
Bijendra Gupta, implicated in the 2023 Odisha paper leak, has a record of involvement in multiple high-profile leaks, including a probe into the BPSC paper leak in Danapur, Bihar, and featuring in various other cases. Starting his nefarious career alongside Bedi Ram, a now-sitting member of the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly, Gupta is well-acquainted with key players like Sanjeev Mukhiya, the brain behind the NEET scam, and has connections with arrested suspect Vishal Chaurasia. Gupta asserts that his years of experience have taught him that it’s all about networking within the paper leak industry.
What has Bijendra Gupta disclosed about Sanjeev Mukhiya?
Confirming Sanjeev Mukhiya as the kingpin of NEET paper leaks, Gupta revealed that Mukhiya is on the police’s radar but remains elusive. He expressed his desire to make 100-200 crores this time, managing to deal with 700 students, charging up to 40 lakh rupees per paper. According to Gupta, Mukhiya has successfully executed leaks in every state, accumulating great wealth before the scandal broke.
Source: aajtak
Gupta described how Mukhiya’s operations extended to Bengaluru and Madhya Pradesh, where papers were leaked and sold. The fallout from the scandal has now rendered Mukhiya 'ruined,' as he is unlikely to receive any payment. Gupta emphasized the significant role Bihar has played in paper leak schemes, indicating that since 2002, a scheme without a 'Bihari' touch is unheard of.
Who is Sanjeev Mukhiya?
Sanjeev Mukhiya, the notorious mastermind behind NEET paper leaks, also known as 'Lootan,' made headlines first in 2010 for aiding cheating via Bluetooth devices. This year, his gang was caught leaking papers for exams like NEET, UP Police Constable recruitment, and BPSC. His son, Shiv Kumar, was arrested in the BPSC scandal, while his wife, Mamta Devi, had previously contested elections on LJP's ticket.
What claim did Bijendra Gupta make about NTA?
In an interview with Aaj Tak’s Special Investigation Team, Bijendra Gupta threw light on the inner workings of the leak, stating, "When something happens, the drums beat." His eye-opening confessions revealed vulnerabilities within NTA and suggested exploitation by evaluators tied to powerful individuals. Gupta's viral video from March suggested he had anticipated the NEET paper leak's exposure.
Gupta pinpointed loopholes within the NTA, claiming his 15-20 years’ experience in the field. He explained how outsourcing the evaluation process to select companies can lead to orchestrated malpractices. Gupta dared the NTA to manually retest students suspected after the leak, challenging the results’ credibility.
How does the paper leak scheme operate?
Gupta elaborates on how papers are removed during transportation, and blacklisted companies continue winning tenders. Using network gaps, paper mafias like Bijendra Gupta, exploiting tendering gaps. Gupta's elaborate network stretches nationally, highlighting a deep-seated corruption affecting the integrity of the academia.