The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Rakesh Ranjan, known as Rocky, the primary suspect in the NEET paper leak case. Rocky was apprehended following extensive use of advanced technology by the CBI. Rocky is originally from Bihar's Nawada, but for the last few years, he has been living in Ranchi and running a restaurant. According to sources, Rocky solved the NEET paper after it was leaked and sent it to Chintu's mobile.
Multiple raids conducted
To capture Rocky, the CBI conducted raids in Patna, Kolkata, and two other locations near Patna. The breakthrough came when investigators traced Rocky through the IP address linked to emails sent from his wife's email ID.
Court orders 10-day CBI remand
After Rocky's arrest, he was presented in court, which granted a 10-day CBI remand for further interrogation. He was found to be physically managing the operations of this extensive cheating racket.
Family Link to Sanjeev Mukhiya
Rocky is purportedly related to Sanjeev Mukhiya, raising suspicions about his significant role in the paper leak.
Recent developments
Earlier this week, the CBI arrested two other suspects, Sunny and Ranjit, in connection with the same case. Sunny is a student while Ranjit is the father of another student. They were captured in Gaya and Nalanda respectively and were granted a six-day remand by the CBI on Wednesday. Information gleaned from their interrogations led to Rocky's location.
Involvement in paper leak
The investigation suggested that the paper leak originated from Oasis School in Hazaribagh. Sanjeev Mukhiya allegedly received the leaked papers and forwarded them to Chintu's mobile phone, an accused already in CBI custody. Chintu and Rocky then allegedly facilitated MBBS aspirants in solving the papers, and distributing the questions and answers to students at Learn Play School in Patna.
Additional arrests
Meanwhile, the CBI's Special Court has extended the remand of Aman from Dhanbad, Oasis School Principal Ehsanul Haque, Vice Principal Imtiyaz, and journalist Jamaluddin—all from Hazaribagh. They are being questioned in connection with the case.
Hearing postponed amid pending responses
The Supreme Court deferred the much-anticipated hearing on NEET-UG 2024 petitions to July 18. The adjournment was due to the absence of responses from the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) for some parties involved.
Pending affidavits delay proceedings
A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud acknowledged that the Centre and NTA's separate affidavits, filed on Wednesday, had not been received by some petitioners' counsel. Despite Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's assertion that the affidavits were served, the hearing was postponed.
CBI status report submitted
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a status report on its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2024 irregularities. The court is examining the extent of these claims to determine the need for a potential re-test.
Government and NTA deny large-scale malpractices
In a fresh affidavit, the Centre cited IIT Madras data analytics, asserting no mass malpractice or abnormal score patterns. The NTA's analysis similarly indicated normal mark distribution, dismissing claims of extraneous influences.
Next steps and ongoing concerns
The court is addressing multiple petitions, including calls for a re-test and allegations of malpractice. Over 23.33 lakh students took the NEET-UG on May 5, and the Centre warns that scrapping the exam would harm many honest candidates.
Background on NEET-UG 2024
NEET-UG is a crucial entrance exam for medical and related courses in India. The hearing's outcome will significantly impact the 2024-25 undergraduate admission process, scheduled to start in the third week of July.
Also read | NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case: Supreme Court adjourns hearing till July 18
