NEET paper leak mastermind nabbed from Patna, was on run for months

The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) achieved a breakthrough on Friday with the arrest of Sanjeev Mukhia, the alleged mastermind behind the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. Known for orchestrating several high-profile exam scams across northern India, Mukhia had been on the run for months.

Additional Director General (ADG) of the EOU, Nayyar Husnain Khan, confirmed Mukhia’s arrest and stated that his interrogation is currently in progress. Officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were also present to question him, highlighting the national gravity of the case.

According to sources close to the investigation, Mukhia was hiding in an apartment near Saguna More, under the jurisdiction of the Danapur police station. His location was uncovered after months of surveillance and investigation. Officials had earlier issued a proclamation notice and declared cash rewards ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of Mukhia and his close aides.

The EOU had posted a proclamation order at Mukhia’s Nalanda residence on March 5, but despite rigorous efforts, both the EOU and the CBI were unable to trace him until now. His arrest marks a turning point in the ongoing investigation into one of India’s most serious academic fraud cases.

Investigative agencies revealed that Mukhia leads an interstate gang with networks in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. This syndicate is reportedly behind several previous exam paper leaks, including recruitment exams for veterinary doctors and English teachers in Haryana, and other competitive exams in Uttar Pradesh.

Alongside Mukhia, his nephew Shubham Kumar and associate Rajkishore Kumar Shah have also been under the scanner. While Mukhia and Shubham hail from Nalanda, Rajkishore is a resident of Arwal. The police are now focusing on dismantling the entire network to prevent future compromises of exam integrity.