In a significant development in the NEET paper controversy, Bihar Police has apprehended 13 individuals implicated in the case, sending them to jail. Among the arrested is Sikandar Yadavendu, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the scandal. Revelations from police investigations have brought to light startling details, including confessions from the accused and the discovery of six post-dated checks, adding a new dimension to the unfolding narrative.Who is mastermind behind this Sikandar Yadavendu hails from Samastipur, Bihar, and has a history of legal entanglements, having previously served time in connection with an LED scam amounting to Rs 3 crore in Rohtas. His involvement in the current NEET paper leak case underscores ongoing concerns regarding his alleged role in organized malpractice. Authorities are scrutinizing his past records, including his reinstatement following previous convictions.Rs 30 lakh per candidate Further complicating matters, the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) has made significant disclosures, recovering six post-dated cheques allegedly linked to the paper leak operation. These cheques were reportedly issued to criminal entities involved in distributing exam papers ahead of schedule, demanding substantial sums, estimated at Rs 30 lakh per candidate.Investigations by EOU Investigations by EOU have also revealed efforts to obtain the original NEET question paper from the National Testing Agency (NTA), critical for verifying the leaked documents. Despite multiple requests, NTA has yet to provide the burnt question paper discovered on May 5, prompting concerns over delays impacting the investigations progress.Another accused in NEET scam EOU Deputy Inspector General Manavjeet Singh Dhillon commented on the ongoing probe, highlighting efforts to gather information about the account holders associated with the recovered cheques. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar, another individual arrested in connection with the case, has recently faced charges related to the BPSC exam paper leak earlier this year, further complicating the legal landscape.Confessed to involvement The accused have reportedly confessed to their involvement, disclosing that the NEET exam paper leak occurred on May 4, preceding the scheduled exam on May 5, in exchange for substantial financial compensation from candidates. Among those arrested are four candidates and their relatives, all residents of Bihar, implicating a broad network involved in the alleged malpractice.Continues to unfoldThe unfolding NEET paper leak scandal continues to unfold, prompting intensified scrutiny from law enforcement agencies and calls for stringent measures to uphold the integrity of national examinations.
