Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 16: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday opposed the bail plea of Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure in the alleged NEET-UG paper leak case, telling a Delhi court that the offence was "against the nation", had tarnished India's reputation and affected lakhs of students.
Special CBI Judge Ajay Gupta heard arguments from both the defence and the prosecution before reserving the order on the bail application till July 22.
Senior Public Prosecutor Neetu Singh, appearing for the CBI, submitted that the alleged paper leak was not an ordinary criminal offence but a serious crime that had impacted students in India and abroad.
The agency told the court that the examination had to be cancelled following the alleged leak, causing widespread hardship to candidates. It further alleged that the incident resulted in a loss of nearly Rs 600 crore to the government exchequer and submitted that several students had died by suicide following the controversy.
The CBI also informed the court that NEET examination centres had been set up across the country as well as at 14 overseas locations, and argued that the alleged leak had cast a shadow over the country's image.
Opposing the bail plea, the agency alleged that Shirure transferred the money he had received to his sister's bank account, contending that there would have been no reason to do so if the funds were legitimate.
The CBI further submitted that chat records and witness statements indicated Shirure's active involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
The prosecution also argued that Shirure was not facing undue hardship, stating that his wife, who is also a doctor, was currently managing the hospital.
Counsel for Shirure contended that the allegations against his client were based solely on the disclosure statement of co-accused Prahalad Kulkarni and argued that such a statement could not be the only basis for establishing his role in the case.
The defence further submitted that there was no incriminating material against Shirure and maintained that he was not a flight risk.
Urging the court to reject the bail plea, the CBI cited the seriousness and gravity of the alleged offence.