A CBI team dispatched to investigate a UGC NET paper leak was reportedly assaulted. The incident occurred on Saturday evening. Upon reaching Kasiadih village in Nawada district, the team was attacked by the villagers. Initially, it was believed that the assault was due to a misunderstanding that the CBI team was fake. However, the actual conflict erupted when the team seized a phone involved in the paper leak, prompting an immediate retaliation from the accused's family and the villagers.
An FIR filed against 200 individuals
The news of the incident prompted Rajauli police station officers to reach the scene, where they safely evacuated four CBI officials. An FIR has been registered in the case, and four individuals have been arrested. Additionally, FIRs have been filed against approximately 200 unidentified people.
The incident took place on a Saturday evening
The Rajauli SDPO disclosed that the incident happened on Saturday evening. The CBI team had raided a house and seized the phone used in the UGC NET paper leak. As soon as the phone was confiscated, the household members attacked the CBI team with sticks, followed by the villagers who joined the assault.
Ministry of Education entrusts CBI with NEET-UG investigation
The Ministry of Education has handed over the investigation of alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam to the CBI for a comprehensive probe. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET-UG examination in OMR (pen and paper) mode on 5th May 2024.
It is to be noted that the examination had been marred by allegations of malpractice. Following a review by the Ministry of Education to ensure transparency in the exams, the decision was made to entrust the case to the CBI for a thorough investigation.
The central government has taken a bold step in the wake of controversies regarding alleged irregularities in NEET and UGC-NET exams to prevent future incidents of paper leaks. The government has notified the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aimed at curbing malpractices in competitive and common entrance tests conducted nationwide.
The government is committed to preserving the integrity of examinations and protecting the interests of the students. It states that strict action will be taken against any individual/organization found tampering with the examinations.
With approximately 24 lakh candidates participating, the NEET-UG examination was held across 4,750 centers nationwide on 5th May. The results were announced on 4th June, released ten days earlier than scheduled. Allegations of paper leaks and irregularities surfaced post-results, as over 67 students achieved maximum scores, with some belonging to the same exam center. Initial police investigations in Bihar unearthed irregularities and paper leak issues, and candidates came forward publicly, claiming to have received the exam papers a day before the test. These allegations led to protests in various cities and the filing of petitions in multiple High Courts, including the Supreme Court.
