The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed its first chargesheet in the NEET-UG paper leak case, naming 13 individuals, including four candidates, a junior engineer, and two key conspirators. The paper leak, which led to nationwide protests and calls for a re-test, was deemed not to have been a systemic breach by the Supreme Court.
Among those named are Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand, identified as the primary conspirators, and candidates Ayush Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, and Shivnandan Kumar. Also implicated is Sikander Yadvendu, a junior engineer from Danapur Town Council in Bihar. Parents of some students have also been implicated, and the CBI is expected to file additional chargesheets as investigations progress.
The chargesheet alleges that Nitish Kumar, a resident of Patna’s Gopalpur, along with Amit Anand and Sikander Yadvendu, conspired to leak the NEET-UG question paper for a fee of ₹30-32 lakh per student. The candidates were allegedly provided the leaked paper on the night before the exam and instructed to memorise the answers.
The CBI employed advanced forensic techniques, artificial intelligence, CCTV footage, and location analysis to gather evidence, which has been presented in court. An official noted that further investigation is ongoing, with several accused already in custody and more supplementary chargesheets anticipated.
To date, the CBI has arrested 40 people in connection with the case, including 15 previously detained by Bihar Police, and conducted searches at 58 locations.
Key Accused
Nitish Kumar: Previously jailed for involvement in a Bihar Public Services (BPSC) exam paper leak, he is believed to be a main conspirator in the NEET-UG case.
Amit Anand: Residing in Mangal Bazar, Munger, he reportedly leaked the question paper on May 4, a day before the exam.
Ashutosh Kumar: An associate of Amit Anand, living in Rajiv Nagar, Patna.
Roshan Kumar: From Ekangarsarai, Nalanda, also residing in Rajiv Nagar, he is accused of convincing candidates to purchase the leaked paper.
Anurag Yadav: From Danapur, Patna, he allegedly approached the conspirators for the leaked paper.
The initial case was registered by Patna Police on May 5 and transferred to the CBI on June 23. The CBI’s first chargesheet was filed within 38 days. So far, six FIRs have been registered by the CBI, with one focused on a comprehensive investigation into NEET-UG 2024 irregularities following a referral from the Union Education ministry.
The NEET-UG, conducted by the NTA, is a crucial entrance exam for medical courses in India. The exam was held on May 5, with over 23 lakh students participating. Allegations of paper leaks and arbitrary grace marks for over 1,500 students led to protests and criticism from the Opposition.
