Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, May 1: In a major development in the NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday secured four days’ custody of Sanjeev Mukhiya the alleged kingpin behind the scam and several other exam paper leak operations across Bihar.

While the CBI had sought a seven-day remand, the court granted only four days for interrogation. Mukhiya, currently lodged in Beur Jail, was produced in court following the expiry of his earlier two-day remand with the Economic Offences Unit (EOU).

During his EOU interrogation, Mukhiya is said to have made explosive revelations, including that he planned to use the proceeds from leaked exams to help propel his wife into a powerful political role.

Mukhiya had evaded arrest for nearly 11 months, despite a Rs 3 lac reward on his head. He was finally nabbed on April 24 from an apartment in Danapur, Patna, after a tip-off led police to his hideout.

CBI sources say they are preparing a detailed line of questioning for Mukhiya, aimed at dismantling the wider network of exam fraud operating in the state. His gang is suspected of orchestrating multiple high-profile paper leaks beyond NEET, placing him at the centre of one of the most serious educational corruption rackets in India.

Investigators revealed that Mukhiya’s network allegedly charged up to ?40 lakh from aspirants, who were taken to a private school in Patna before the exam to memorise the leaked answers. His son, several relatives, and a group of youth from Nalanda were reportedly involved in the operation.

This case has triggered massive public outrage, reigniting demands for urgent reforms in national-level entrance examinations. With Mukhiya now in CBI custody, officials say more arrests and revelations are expected in the coming days.