'There's currently no need for a CBI or any major investigation agency in the NEET paper leak case,' states Bihar's Law Minister Nitin Naveen, even as the Supreme Court has refused to dismiss a plea for a CBI investigation. The court will hear petitions filed across seven High Courts, including the Delhi High Court, on July 8, consolidating them for the hearing.
The uproar and turmoil continue nationwide regarding malpractices in the NEET exam. Students in several states are protesting in thousands against the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NEET paper leak and manipulation case is before the Supreme Court, with signs pointing to linkages with scams across states including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana. Despite the Supreme Court's intervention, students' anger shows no signs of abating. They demand the exam's cancellation and a CBI investigation.
Related: Past questions over NTA's credibility, not just with NEET but also with JEE-CUET exams.
Bihar's Investigation Team (EOU) is currently probing the case. Law Minister Nitin Naveen dismissed calls for a larger investigation for now. He claims that a major investigation is not needed at present, as the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar is investigating the incident.
Arrests in Bihar lead to uncovering large sums and 'safe houses'
Special Investigation Teams (SIT) formed for the suspected rigging have arrested 14 individuals so far. Arrested suspects have confessed to financial transactions and 'safe-houses' for NEET paper leaks. Additionally, sensational confessions before the Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) have hinted at a significant lapse in this year's medical entrance exam.
Suspects have admitted that candidates paid more than 30 lakh rupees in exchange for the leaked NEET papers. The EOU agency issued notices to nine candidates on Saturday, seeking their presence at the Patna office with evidence to question their association with the 'solver gang'. All candidates are from various districts in Bihar and have been asked to appear on Monday and Tuesday.
