Maharashtra TET – Hajipur Cyber Cafe Raided in Paper Leak Investigation
Maharashtra TET – The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test paper leak investigation has widened beyond the state, with a Maharashtra Special Task Force team carrying out a late-night search at a cyber cafe in Hajipur, Bihar. The operation was conducted with assistance from Vaishali Police and personnel linked to Thane Police.
Cyber Cafe Searched on Kachhari Road
Police teams reached the cyber cafe on Kachhari Road on Wednesday night and continued their search until about 1 am on Thursday. Investigators checked records, documents and electronic equipment available at the premises as they examined possible links to the alleged Maharashtra TET question paper leak.
Three people, including cyber cafe operator Sonu Kumar, were taken into custody for questioning after the raid. Officials have not announced any formal arrests in connection with the Hajipur operation so far. The detained individuals are being questioned by the Maharashtra STF as the inquiry continues.
Digital Devices and Documents Taken for Examination
According to police sources, the team seized several documents and digital materials during the search. These items are expected to be sent for forensic examination to determine whether they contain evidence connected to the examination leak or the wider network under investigation.
A Maharashtra Police official said the team had travelled to Hajipur as part of the TET paper leak probe and had recovered documents considered suspicious. The official added that further legal action would be decided after investigators review the evidence.
The raid marks another development in a case that has already resulted in police action across Maharashtra, Bihar and Haryana. Investigators are examining whether local cyber facilities or digital channels were used to circulate the leaked paper before the examination.
Family Learns of Detention After Overnight Search
Sonu Kumar’s elder brother, Jitendra Kumar, said the family became concerned after Sonu did not return home on Wednesday evening. He said Sonu’s wife informed relatives that his mobile phone was not reachable, after which family members began searching for him.
According to Jitendra Kumar, the family later learned on Thursday that Sonu had been detained during the police raid at the cyber cafe. Authorities have not publicly shared details about the suspected role of any of the three people being questioned.
Police Trace Alleged Multi-State Network
Police have identified Bijendra Gupta, a resident of Samastipur district in Bihar, as the alleged key figure in the paper leak network. Search operations have been carried out in several locations as investigators attempt to locate him and establish the full scale of the alleged operation.
Earlier in the inquiry, the Maharashtra STF questioned Gupta’s wife in Patna while examining financial transactions that may be related to the case. Officials are also reviewing possible communication and payment trails connected to those suspected of involvement.
The Maharashtra TET examination had drawn registrations from more than 4.28 lakh candidates. The Maharashtra State Examination Council cancelled the test after the question paper was allegedly circulated around 24 hours before the scheduled examination on June 28.
Further Action to Depend on Forensic Findings
The Maharashtra Police team remains in Bihar as the investigation progresses. Officials said the next steps will depend on the forensic assessment of the devices and documents recovered from Hajipur, along with statements recorded from those currently being questioned.