2 Teachers in Latur, Maharashtra, Arrested in Connection with NEET Paper Leak Case
The ATS detained two teachers in Maharashtra as part of their investigation into the NEET paper leak, which began in Bihar.
Following the emergence of allegations regarding the leakage of the NEET-UG paper in Bihar, the authorities have now extended their investigation to Maharashtra, where two teachers have been apprehended in Latur. Two teachers from Latur were detained by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Saturday night. They were interrogated regarding the NEET paper case. The two educators have been identified as Sanjay Tukaram Jadhav and Jalil Umarkhan Pathan, who are employed at a government school in Latur. They operate a private coaching service in the district.
After undergoing extensive interrogation, the individuals were subsequently released by law enforcement authorities. They have been informed that they may be summoned for further questioning if necessary. Following the transfer of the NEET paper leak investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the government pledged to safeguard the students' interests. The purported anomalies in the administration and evaluation process of the NEET-UG examination incited a widespread public outcry. A record-breaking 67 candidates attained a flawless score of 720 out of 720 marks, heightening the concerns.
Accusations of cheating and the leaking of exam papers have emerged in Bihar, with the state's BJP-JDU government implicating RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav in the matter. The cancellation of the NEET-PG examination by the health ministry on Saturday, just hours before it was scheduled to take place, was strongly criticised by student bodies and doctors' associations.
The Education Ministry has established a panel consisting of seven members to evaluate the operations of the National Testing Agency (NTA). After transferring the NEET investigation to the CBI, the Centre also removed Subodh Singh, the Director General of NTA. The committee, consisting of 7 members and headed by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, will present its report to the ministry within the next two months.
“We stand for transparent, tamper-free, and zero error examination. A panel has been formed on exam reforms, strict action has been taken against officials and the case has been handed over to the CBI,” stated Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.