New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.):

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday said that its detailed investigation into the NEET (UG) 2024 question paper theft case found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar, alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, to the theft or distribution of the examination paper. The agency stated that all individuals involved in stealing and distributing the question paper have been identified, and chargesheets have so far been filed against 45 accused.

According to the CBI, the case was initially registered by the Bihar Police in 2024 after the NEET (UG) examination paper was allegedly stolen. Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya was named as an accused at the preliminary stage based on suspicion, as his name had surfaced in other examination paper leak cases. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the CBI.

The agency said that during its investigation, it identified every individual involved in the theft of the question paper, its distribution, and those who benefited from the leak. Multiple chargesheets have been filed against 45 accused before the competent court in Patna.

The CBI further stated that Sanjeev Mukhiya's alleged role was also thoroughly investigated. However, no evidence was found to establish his involvement in the theft or distribution of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper.

The agency noted that Mukhiya had absconded during the investigation. He was later arrested by the Bihar Police in connection with other cases. Since his name also appeared in the FIR registered in the NEET-UG 2024 case, the CBI took him into custody for questioning.

According to the CBI, no chargesheet was filed against him in the NEET-UG 2024 case because the investigation did not uncover any evidence of his involvement. Consequently, he was granted bail in this case. However, he remained in judicial custody as he continues to face charges in other cases being investigated by the Bihar Police.

The CBI said its comprehensive investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 question paper theft case has been completed, and all individuals involved in the conspiracy have been identified and brought within the ambit of the law. The agency also asserted that allegations suggesting Sanjeev Mukhiya was deliberately protected or excluded from the case are factually incorrect.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar