Photo Credit: The Suncity News
Patna, June 19, 2024: Two female NEET candidates, who were served notices by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police in the alleged NEET-2024 question paper leak case, appeared before the agency on Wednesday along with their parents.
Both were questioned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising nine officers. It is being speculated that their statements may lead to key disclosures.
NEET candidates reached Patna’s EOU office:
One of the candidates said she had received the EOU notice at her Danapur residence and therefore came for questioning. Parents accompanying them appeared visibly anxious.
The EOU has roll codes/roll numbers of 13 candidates suspected of having benefited from the leak. Four of these candidates have already been arrested; notices were issued to the remaining nine.
On Tuesday, two candidates, along with their parents, appeared before the EOU—one parent claimed the involvement of an MP, though the agency has not officially named anyone.
On Wednesday, the two female candidates also joined the questioning. The investigation has also brought the alleged role of a minister under the scanner.
According to EOU sources, on 4 May—a day before the NEET exam—Sikandar Yadavendu, junior engineer of Danapur Municipal Council and alleged key conspirator, had housed his brother-in-law’s wife and son (the son reportedly a NEET candidate) in a government guest house.
Two additional candidates also stayed there on the same day. A number marked “ Mantri Ji” was found in the guest house diary.
NEET was held on 5 May. EOU alleges the paper was procured on 4 May. Police claim 4 arrested candidates admitted they had been given the exact same question paper to memorize at Learn Play School in Patna’s Ramkrishna Nagar.
Burnt question papers were later recovered from that location—74 questions could be retrieved, including three copies of booklet 6136488.
EOU has arrested 13 people:
EOU has so far arrested 13 people—six exam mafias, four candidates and three parents.
The controversy deepened when NEET results—earlier scheduled for 14 June—were released on 4 June, with 67 perfect scorers and unusually high cut-offs. 1,563 candidates were given grace marks—later withdrawn.
NTA has now announced a re-test for only those 1,563 on 23 June, but petitioners are demanding a full re-exam.
Also Read: EOU received 95 complaints related to objectionable and misleading posts on social media.
EOM.