- The NEET-UG paper leak scam targeted 700 students and aimed for a staggering Rs 300 crore
- Bijender Gupta involved in multiple paper leaks over 24 years
- He explains how leaks happen during transportation of question papers
- Gupta outlined the routine of the paper leak mafia: “Jail jayenge, phir bail, aur phir shuru hoga khel,”
- The methods employed to leak papers are multifaceted, involving coordination with government officials, printing presses, and other entities capable of facilitating the leaks.
- Claims key NEET accused Sanjeev Mukhiya wouldn’t be caught
In a shocking revelation, the NEET-UG paper leak scam, which targeted 700 students and aimed for a staggering Rs 300 crore, has been brought to light through a detailed investigation by India Today’s special team. The investigation tracked down Bijender Gupta, a key figure in the paper leak network, who divulged the intricate workings of this sophisticated scam.
Bijender Gupta, notorious for his involvement in multiple paper leak cases, including the 2023 Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) exam and the Bihar and Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission leaks, has been in the business for 24 years. Despite being arrested twice, he managed to evade prolonged imprisonment. A video of Gupta from March, in which he predicted the NEET-UG paper leak, has recently gone viral, highlighting the depth of his involvement.
Gupta candidly explained the operational methods of the paper leak network during the sting operation. He revealed that the NEET-UG paper leak was part of a larger scheme, targeting 700 students with the goal of extorting between Rs 200-300 crore. The operation involved tampering with boxes containing question papers during transportation and manipulating the tender processes to involve blacklisted companies. Gupta emphasized that networking is crucial in this illegal enterprise, and he has connections with key accused individuals like Sanjeev Mukhiya and Vishal Chaurasia, who is currently under arrest.
Gupta outlined the routine of the paper leak mafia: “Jail jayenge, phir bail, aur phir shuru hoga khel,” translating to “There’s jail, followed by bail, and then the game resumes.” This statement reflects the recurring nature of their criminal activities despite legal consequences. He also noted that the NEET paper leak has prompted an investigation by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU), which is moving in the right direction, although he expressed skepticism about the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) ability to fully grasp the complexity of the scam.
The methods employed to leak papers are multifaceted, involving coordination with government officials, printing presses, and other entities capable of facilitating the leaks. Gupta’s insights revealed a well-established network that includes even blacklisted companies managing to secure tenders, thus continuing their operations unabated.
Gupta also provided a glimpse into the network’s history, referencing Bedi Ram, a major figure in the paper leak mafia, and his own role as an assistant in previous scams. Bedi Ram, who has since become an MLA in Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur, exemplifies the deep-rooted connections and influence of these criminal networks.
Despite ongoing investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the NEET-UG paper leak, key figures like Sanjeev Mukhiya remain at large. Mukhiya, heavily indebted yet unwavering in his criminal pursuits, has a history of using sophisticated methods, such as Bluetooth devices, to aid in exam fraud. His son, Shiv Mukhiya, who is already imprisoned for involvement in the Bihar Public Service Commission teacher recruitment exam leak, was also implicated in the NEET-UG scam.
Gupta concluded by expressing doubt over the authorities’ ability to apprehend Mukhiya, highlighting the persistent challenge of combating such entrenched criminal networks. He reiterated that while the EOU’s investigation is on track, the judiciary and police are bound by the rule of law, which the paper leak mafia continues to exploit.
This expose sheds light on the extensive and complex operations behind the NEET paper leak scam, revealing the daunting task faced by law enforcement in dismantling such deeply rooted criminal enterprises.
(With inputs from agencies)
