NEET row: In a recent development in the NEET paper leak case, Oasis School Principal Dr Ehsan-ul-Haq and Center Superintendent Imtiaz Alam were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today. Dr Ehsan, who also served as the district coordinator for the NEET exam in Hazaribagh, along with Vice Principal Imtiaz, were taken into custody. The CBI plans to transfer them to Patna for further interrogation. The CBI arrived at Hazaribaghs Charhi guest house for questioning on Thursday. Dr Ehsan-ul-Haq was first interrogated at this location. For the past four days, the CBI has been thoroughly investigating the NEET question paper leak case in Hazaribagh. On Wednesday, after inspecting Oasis School, the CBI team detained Principal Ehsan-ul-Haq.Journalists under scrutinyThe investigation also uncovered connections between Principal Ehsan-ul-Haq and two journalists from a Hindi daily in Jharkhand. One of the journalists, identified as Salauddin, was in regular contact with the principal during the NEET exam and paper leak. Based on call details, the CBI summoned the journalist for questioning.What is principals role in leakThe investigation began when Bihar Police found half-burnt papers at the house of an arrested candidate. These papers included a photocopy of the NEET question paper. The Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) of Bihar matched the burnt papers with the original question paper provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA), discovering that 68 questions were identical. This led to a closer examination of Oasis School, where the matching booklets were traced back to. Consequently, the CBI focused its attention on the school.What does principal say in defenseDr Ehsan-ul-Haq, while speaking to Aaj Tak, claimed innocence. However, EOU sources found his involvement suspicious. Dr Ehsan is not only the principal of Oasis School but also the city coordinator of CBSE for four districts: Hazaribagh, Chatra, Koderma, and Ramgarh, where he oversees multiple exams.Principals explanation of his dutiesDr Ehsan explained his role in the NEET exam, stating that his responsibilities were limited to receiving paper boxes from the bank, ensuring their secure storage in a control room monitored by NTA CCTVs, and overseeing exam centers to prevent irregularities. He emphasized that the control room remains locked and is monitored by numerous invigilators. His final task was to return the boxes to the NTA after the exams.Allegations of tamperingDr Ehsan expressed dismay over the accusations, explaining the multi-layered security of the paper packets. He described the process, including an iron box, a cardboard cover, and various locks, one of which requires a saw to open. He stated that during the inspection, no issues were found with the cardboard or tampering. He noted that during the examination, several observers and representatives from the NTA were present, further emphasizing the security measures in place.
