Rakesh Ranjan, alias Rocky, believed to be a key player in the paper leak network, was arrested in Nalanda, Bihar. Before his arrest, CBI conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations, including Patna and Kolkata.
![[NEET-UG Paper Leak Case] Patna HC Sends 13 Accused To CBI Custody; to be Confronted with Mastermind](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-34-2.png?resize=820%2C408&ssl=1)
Patna (Bihar): On Friday (July 12): The Patna High Court has granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody of 13 individuals arrested by Patna Police in connection with the NEET–UG paper leak case. These individuals will be subject to custodial examination and confronted with Rocky, the alleged kingpin, who is also in CBI custody.
Rakesh Ranjan, alias Rocky, believed to be a key player in the paper leak network, was arrested in Nalanda, Bihar, marking a significant advancement in the investigation. Before his arrest, CBI conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations, including Patna and Kolkata.
The CBI has arrested over a dozen suspects involved in the leak and distribution of NEET exam papers. Using advanced investigative techniques, the agency tracked and identified Ranjan through digital footprints like IP addresses and email communications.
Additionally, Rocky allegedly arranged for solvers, including several MBBS students from Patna and Ranchi, to take the NEET-UG exams on behalf of others after the question papers leaked.
The main suspect’s arrest follows the apprehension of two others, including a candidate, in Patna two days prior. Among those arrested were Sunny, a NEET-UG aspirant from Nalanda, and Ranjit Kumar, the father of another candidate from Gaya.
The CBI took over the investigation after widespread protests by students concerning irregularities in the medical entrance exam. So far, the CBI registered six FIRs related to the case, with one from Bihar addressing the paper leaks and others from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra focusing on impersonation and cheating during the exam.
READ ALSO: NEET-UG Paper Leak| CBI Arrests Alleged Mastermind From Patna
Rocky’s arrest marks the ninth in Bihar for the NEET-UG paper leak case, with additional arrests in other states, including Gujarat and Uttarakhand.
This paper leak caused significant controversy, especially after 67 students from Bihar obtained top rankings in the exam, leading to widespread allegations and political ramifications. The NEET-UG 2024 was conducted at 4,750 centers in 571 cities on May 5, with over 24 lakh candidates appearing for the exam. Following the results announcement on June 4, suspicions of irregularities prompted an in-depth investigation.
The NEET-UG exam, held on May 5, 2024, faced allegations of cheating and impersonation, leading to criticism of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and subsequent legal actions.
The Union Health Ministry has postponed the NEET-PG 2024 examination, and the Government has replaced the NTA chief and formed a committee to review its functioning. The NEET–UG exam is essential for admissions into medical and related courses in India.
The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted at 4,750 centers with around 24 lakh candidates.
