The NEET (UG) exam, held on May 5, has come under severe criticism after reports of irregularities and paper leaks. The government has transferred the case to the CBI. Here is a timeline of the events that have unfolded in the case till now.
The NEET (UG) exam, a crucial medical entrance test, has been embroiled in controversy following allegations of irregularities and paper leaks. This scandal has not only put the credibility of the examination at stake but has also led to significant legal and political repercussions. Here’s a detailed timeline of the events that have unfolded:
May 5, 2024: The Exam and Immediate Aftermath
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the NEET (UG) exam on May 5 across 4,750 centers with around 24 lakh candidates appearing. Post-exam, allegations of paper leaks emerged. Patna Police arrested Sikandar Yadavendu and two others based on inputs about the leak. The arrests soon led to more suspects, bringing the total to 13, including NEET aspirants and their family members.
May 6, 2024: Initial Investigations
The Patna police registered a case and began interrogating the arrested individuals, who were later sent to jail. This marked the beginning of a more extensive probe into the irregularities surrounding the exam.
May 10, 2024: Case Transfer to EOU
The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) took over the investigation, seeking details and original copies of answer sheets from the NTA for 11 candidates under suspicion.
June 4, 2024: Results Announced Amid Controversy
Despite the ongoing investigation, the NTA declared the NEET (UG) results on June 4. The announcement coincided with the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha Elections, adding to the complexity of the situation. An unprecedented number of students, 67 in total, scored perfect marks, raising further suspicions of foul play.
June 12, 2024: EOU Receives Answer Sheets
The NTA provided the EOU with the answer sheets of the 11 candidates. This move was crucial for the investigation, providing concrete evidence for further scrutiny.
June 16, 2024: Confessions and Money Trail
The EOU released confessions indicating a significant exchange of money for leaked question papers. Some aspirants allegedly paid over Rs 30 lakh each to brokers. The key suspect, Sikandar Kumar Yadavendu, a junior engineer, confessed to his involvement and detailed the financial transactions and arrangements made with families of some aspirants.
June 18, 2024: Broader Conspiracy Unveiled
The notorious Sanjeev Mukhiya gang’s involvement came to light. The EOU took Sanjeev Mukhiya’s son, Dr. Shiv, and ten others on remand. Additional confessions revealed connections to influential individuals, including a ‘Mantri Ji’ (minister), adding a political dimension to the case.
June 19-20, 2024: Political Allegations and Suspensions
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha accused RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s secretary of facilitating accommodations for the suspects. The political blame game intensified between RJD and BJP, while Sikandar Yadavendu was suspended from his position.
June 22, 2024: Arrests and Report Submission
The EOU arrested six more individuals from Jharkhand, all connected to the scandal. The investigation report, detailing evidence of financial transactions and irregularities, was submitted to the Ministry of Education. This led to the replacement of the NTA DG and the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Implications and Future Steps
The NEET (UG) controversy has sparked a nationwide uproar, questioning the integrity of the examination process. The CBI’s involvement is expected to bring more clarity and potentially unearth deeper layers of the scandal. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative to address the systemic issues to restore faith in such critical examinations.
Conclusion
The NEET (UG) 2024 scandal has highlighted significant flaws in the examination system, necessitating immediate and stringent measures. With the case now under the CBI’s purview, there is hope for a thorough investigation and justice for those affected by these irregularities. The government and educational authorities must ensure transparency and fairness in future examinations to uphold the credibility of the educational system.