NEET-UG security breach: Inter-state syndicate exposed in massive paper leak

NEW DELHI: Investigations into the NEET-UG question paper leak have uncovered a massive, multi-state syndicate, according to police reports. The Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) has revealed critical details regarding the breach that has disrupted the medical entrance process for millions.

The SOG investigation tracked the origin of the leaked materials to Nashik, Maharashtra, where the compromised question papers were reportedly printed. From Nashik, the documents were transported to Sikar, Rajasthan, and subsequently distributed to various other locations across the country. The leaked papers were initially circulated under the guise of "model question papers" to avoid immediate detection. Candidates were charged exorbitant amounts for access to the papers, with transactions ranging from ₹30,000 to as high as ₹28 lakhs. Furthermore, authorities are currently probing the involvement of an MBBS student studying in Kerala who is suspected of having links to the paper leak network.

Following the confirmation of the security breach, the National Testing Agency (NTA) officially cancelled the NEET-UG examination held on May 3. This decision forces approximately 2.2 million students to retake the entrance test. The NTA is expected to announce the revised exam dates shortly.