The Capital News
New Delhi: June 24: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into the alleged malpractice during the NEET UG 2024 examination, marking a significant development in the ongoing controversy. As per latest reports, the number of debarred students across various States has surged to 110, amplifying concerns about the integrity of the prestigious medical entrance test.
Teams from the CBI have been dispatched to multiple States to delve into the malpractice allegations, intensifying efforts to unearth any wrongdoing in the examination process. The gravity of the situation has prompted swift action from authorities, with the Bihar Police making significant arrests related to the NEET paper leak. The Financial Crimes Unit in Bihar apprehended five individuals in connection with the case, taking the total tally of arrests in the state to 18.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has also taken stringent measures in response to the controversy, debarring an additional 17 students from Bihar for engaging in malpractice during the examination.
This brings the total number of students facing disciplinary action to 110 across various States, highlighting the widespread impact of the alleged irregularities. In a parallel development, the CBI has registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 20B and 420 pertaining to the NEET UG case, signaling a concerted effort to unravel the complexities surrounding the examination malpractice.
The governments of Bihar and Gujarat have issued notifications transferring the registered cases to the CBI, further underscoring the seriousness with which the matter is being addressed. Recent arrests in Bihar, including five individuals detained in Deoghar, Jharkhand, have shed light on the geographic extent of the investigation.
The accused, all residents of Nalanda, have been identified as Baldev Kumar, Mukesh Kumar, Panku Kumar, Rajeev Kumar, and Paramjeet Singh. Moreover, the NTA’s decision to debar 63 students from Bihar and 30 students from Godhra in Gujarat reflects the widespread repercussions of the malpractice allegations. In light of these developments, the total number of debarred students has surged to 110, prompting heightened scrutiny and calls for examination reforms.
A high-level committee formed by the central government to review the National Testing Agency’s performance and propose examination reforms is scheduled to convene on Monday. Chaired by former ISRO chief K Radhakrishnan, the committee’s deliberations are expected to address the systemic challenges highlighted by the NEET UG 2024 controversy.
