CBI takes over NEET UG probe
- In Reports
- 10:33 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into five new cases of alleged malpractices in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which were previously under police scrutiny in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Bihar.
Officials confirmed that the central agency has re-registered one case each from Gujarat and Bihar, along with three cases from Rajasthan, as its own FIR. Additionally, there are plans to take up another case from Latur in Maharashtra.
These cases primarily involve instances of impersonation and cheating by local officials, invigilators, and candidates, with the exception of the Bihar case, officials noted. The CBI's involvement follows a directive from the Union education ministry to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
With these new cases, the CBI is now handling a total of six investigations related to alleged irregularities in NEET-UG.
The exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is critical for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses across India. Held on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities (including 14 abroad), the test saw participation from over 23 lakh candidates.
The decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI came after widespread protests by students in various cities, prompting the education ministry to intervene. The ministry's request to the CBI specifies a thorough investigation into potential offenses such as conspiracy, cheating, impersonation, breach of trust, and evidence tampering involving candidates, institutes, and intermediaries.
CBI officials have indicated that the scope of the investigation will extend to scrutinising the roles of public servants involved in exam conduct, as well as examining the broader chain of events and possible conspiracies.
On the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha, opposition MPs stated that the government would have to address the controversy in Parliament.
Several newly-elected members who took the oath in the Lok Sabha on Monday expressed concerns that the government is not considering the hardships faced by students who feel stuck in limbo.
During the swearing-in ceremony for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, opposition members chanted "NEET, NEET" amid the ongoing controversy surrounding purported anomalies in competitive examinations, such as the University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG), which are used for medical entrance.
Image source: Livemint
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