NEET-UG controversy: CBI takes over 5 new cases of irregularities in 3 states

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation has initiated investigations into five new cases related to alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam. These cases were previously being investigated by police authorities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar.
According to officials, the CBI has re-registered one case each from Gujarat and Bihar, and three cases from Rajasthan, while it is also expected to take up another case from Latur, Maharashtra.Apart from the case in Bihar, the other four cases seem to be isolated incidents involving impersonation and cheating by local officials, invigilators, and candidates.
The CBI has already filed its own FIR in connection with the case, following a reference from the Union education ministry to conduct a thorough investigation.
With the addition of these new cases, the CBI is now investigating a total of six cases related to alleged malpractices in the NEET-UG examination.
Earlier, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a Zilla Parishad school teacher from Latur and filed a case against four people for allegedly operating a racket to assist NEET students in passing the exam in exchange for money.
The accused include two teachers from Latur, Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Khan Umar Khan Pathan, along with Iranna Mashnaji Kongalwav from Nanded and Gangadhar from Delhi. An FIR has been registered against them under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. According to the authorities, Jadhav and Pathan, who is the headmaster of a ZP school in Latur district, operate a private coaching center.
The NEET and UGC NET, both highly valued entrance exams for medical and academic fields, have been shrouded in controversy since May 2024. The NEET UG exam faced accusations of irregularities, including alleged paper leaks and questionable marking practices, which led to widespread anger and demonstrations throughout the nation. As a result of this upheaval, some students were ordered to retake the NEET UG exam, and the NEET PG exam was postponed.