The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday said it found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar, also known as Sanjeev Mukhiya, to the theft or distribution of the leaked NEET-UG 2024 question paper, effectively clearing him in the case after a detailed investigation.
Mukhiya had earlier been named as an accused in the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Bihar Police, which initially investigated the paper leak before the case was transferred to the CBI.
According to the CBI, Bihar Police registered the FIR in 2024 after detecting the theft of the NEET-UG question paper.
At the time, investigators suspected Mukhiya's involvement because he had allegedly figured in other examination paper leak cases. Based on that prima facie suspicion, Bihar Police named him as an accused in the FIR.
After taking over the investigation, the CBI said it carried out a comprehensive probe into the paper leak.
The agency stated that it identified all individuals involved in the theft and subsequent distribution of the leaked question paper, along with those who benefited from the conspiracy.
Following the investigation, the CBI filed multiple charge sheets against 45 accused before a court in Patna.
However, the agency said it found no material linking Mukhiya to the theft or circulation of the leaked NEET-UG 2024 paper.
"In the course of its investigation, the CBI did not come across any evidence to establish the involvement of Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya in the theft or distribution of the stolen NEET-UG question paper in 2024," the agency said in an official statement.
The CBI said Mukhiya remained absconding during the initial stages of the investigation and was later arrested by Bihar Police in connection with other matters.
After the CBI took his custody for questioning in the NEET-UG 2024 case, investigators concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him in the paper leak case.
As a result, the agency did not file a charge sheet against him, allowing him to obtain bail in the NEET-UG 2024 case.
However, the CBI clarified that Mukhiya continued to remain in judicial custody for some time because he was facing other cases being investigated by Bihar Police.
The agency said its investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak had identified the entire conspiracy and all individuals involved.
"The CBI conducted a detailed investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 theft case, identified all the persons involved, and ensured that none of them escaped the law," the statement said.
The alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak triggered nationwide controversy, raising concerns over the integrity of one of India's largest medical entrance examinations. Following public outrage, the Centre transferred the investigation from Bihar Police to the CBI.
With the latest statement, the CBI has clarified that while Sanjeev Mukhiya was initially named in the FIR based on suspicion, its investigation did not uncover evidence establishing his involvement in the theft or distribution of the leaked examination paper. Proceedings against other charge-sheeted accused continue before the court.
Sources: NDTV