NEET Row: AIIMS Patna Doctors Detained Before SC Hearing

In a significant development ahead of the NEET-UG hearing in the Supreme Court today, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained three doctors from AIIMS Patna. These doctors are allegedly linked to the NEET-UG paper leak and irregularities in the entrance examination. The detention has raised serious questions about the integrity of the medical entrance test and its administration.

Details of the Detained Doctors

The detained doctors are from the 2021 batch of AIIMS Patna. They were taken into custody for questioning regarding their involvement in the NEET-UG paper leak. The CBI has sealed their rooms and seized their laptops and mobile phones to gather evidence.

Previous Arrests in the Case

This detention follows the arrest of two more individuals, Pankaj Kumar and Raju Singh, by the CBI. Pankaj Kumar, alleged to be part of the paper leak mafia, and Raju Singh were arrested from Patna and Hazaribagh, respectively. Pankaj Kumar allegedly stole the NEET-UG question papers with Raju’s assistance. Both are now in CBI custody for further investigation.

Extent of the NEET-UG Scandal

The CBI has already arrested nine people in connection with the NEET paper leak case. Additionally, the agency has custody of 13 other accused, including the alleged kingpin, Rocky alias Rakesh Ranjan from Bihar. This widespread investigation highlights the depth of the scandal and its impact on the credibility of the NEET-UG examination process.

Supreme Court Hearing

Today, the Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions related to the NEET-UG controversy. These petitions include requests for the cancellation of the examination, a re-test, and a thorough investigation into alleged malpractices. The previous hearing on July 11 was adjourned to today to allow time for responses from the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Court’s Concerns

In the July 8 hearing, the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the sanctity of the NEET-UG 2024 exam. The court suggested that a re-test might be necessary if the entire process was compromised. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, sought detailed reports from the NTA and the CBI on the timing and manner of the alleged paper leak and the extent of the malpractices.

Centre and NTA’s Response

Both the Centre and the NTA have filed additional affidavits in the Supreme Court. The Centre’s affidavit, based on data analytics by IIT-Madras, claimed there was no indication of mass malpractice or localized benefit from the irregularities. It stated that counseling for undergraduate seats for 2024-25 would begin in the third week of July.

The NTA’s affidavit echoed these findings, asserting that the higher marks obtained by some candidates did not indicate a systematic failure. The reduction of 25% of the syllabus helped aspirants score better, according to the NTA.

Public Reaction and Impact

The detention of AIIMS Patna doctors has triggered widespread public and media attention. The NEET-UG scandal has cast a shadow over the credibility of the medical entrance examination system in India. Students and parents are anxious about the integrity of the selection process and the future of the affected candidates.

Ongoing Investigation

The CBI continues its investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case. The agency is meticulously analyzing the seized evidence and questioning the detained individuals to uncover the full extent of the scandal. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in determining the future course of action for NEET-UG and similar entrance examinations.

The NEET-UG paper leak scandal has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the administration of one of India’s most crucial entrance examinations. The detention of AIIMS Patna doctors ahead of the Supreme Court hearing underscores the severity of the issue. As the investigation progresses and the Supreme Court deliberates on the petitions, the future of NEET-UG 2024 and the broader examination system hangs in the balance.