New Delhi: The Economic Offenses Unit and Patna Police are vigorously searching for Sanjeev Mukhiya, the first recipient of the leaked NEET question paper. Reports indicate that a professor sent the paper to him via mobile phone apparently through a digital messagin application.What is the NEET paper leak scandalThe investigation into the NEET UG exam paper leak, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for medical college admissions, is intensifying. The probe by Patna Police and Economic Offenses Unit has revealed several new individuals. Following names like Sikandar, Amit, Anurag, Anshul, and Atul, the spotlight has now turned to Sanjeev Mukhiya.A resident of Nalanda, Mukhiya is believed to be the kingpin behind the Bihar paper leak scandal. He has a notorious history, having previously been jailed for involvement in the BSc teacher recruitment paper leak. His son, Dr. Shiv Kumar, remains incarcerated for the same case after completing his MBBS from PMCH.Inside Mukhiyas operations and networkAccording to media reports, the NEET question paper was sent to Mukhiya in Nagarnausa village, Nalanda. He then forwarded the paper to Sikandar Yadav and others. On the nights of May 4 and May 5, NEET candidates were coached on the answers at the Play and Learn School hostel in Khemani Chak, Patna. Mukhiyas connections extend to the Ravi Atri gang, indicating a broad network of malfeasance.For how much did Mukhiya bought NEET paperThe professor who leaked the NEET paper to Mukhiya allegedly brokered a deal worth 40 lakh rupees per student. Out of this amount, 30 to 32 lakh rupees were distributed to higher-ups, while middlemen like Sikandar, Nitish, and Amit retained the remaining eight lakh rupees. Mukhiya orchestrated the entire operation, renting a house owned by his close associate Prabhat Ranjan, where the school operates. Prabhat Ranjan, a former head of Daniyawan block, whose wife served as Mukhiya, has also been interrogated by the authorities.A history of scandalKnown by the alias Lutan Mukhiya, Sanjeev was previously a technical assistant at Noorsarai Horticulture College in Nalanda before transitioning into politics, eventually becoming the head of his panchayat. His criminal record includes being implicated in the 2016 constable recruitment exam paper leak and the BSc teacher recruitment exam paper leak, resulting in jail time.His wife, Mamta Kumari, unsuccessfully contested elections from the Harnaut assembly on an LJP ticket. The paper leak business gradually became a family thing, with his son Dr Shiv now in jail for his involvement in the BSc paper leak.A widespread networkMukhiyas influence in the paper leak racket spans nationwide. Authorities suspect his involvement in the police recruitment paper leak in Uttar Pradesh as well. Despite continuous raids by Patna Police and investigative agencies, Mukhiya remains elusive, protected by his extensive financial and political clout.
