CBI Takes Charge of Five NEET-UG Cases from Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has assumed control over five cases related to alleged malpractices in the NEET-UG examinations from Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, officials announced on Monday. The agency has re-registered one case each from Gujarat and Bihar, and three cases from Rajasthan as its own FIRs, according to PTI.

Additionally, the CBI is expected to take over another case from Maharashtra's Latur.
Apart from the case in Bihar, the other four cases appear to be isolated instances of cheating and impersonation involving local officials, invigilators, and candidates, according to central agency officials cited by PTI. On Sunday, the CBI filed a criminal case, while the National Testing Agency (NTA) issued show-cause notices threatening debarment to 17 candidates in Patna. These actions were based on a report submitted to the Centre by the Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police.

The case from Bihar, which prompted swift action, was notably severe compared to the other incidents. The Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police conducted a thorough investigation, revealing systemic issues that could compromise the integrity of the NEET-UG examination. This led to the CBI's involvement, aiming to ensure a more extensive and unbiased investigation.

In Gujarat, Rajasthan, and the impending case from Maharashtra, the malpractices involved local officials and invigilators conspiring with candidates to facilitate cheating. These isolated incidents highlight the vulnerability of the examination process to corruption and unethical behavior at various levels of administration. The involvement of local officials and invigilators points to a need for stricter oversight and enhanced security measures during the examination process.