NEET Scam – Nashik Police Arrest Medical Counsellor in Paper Leak Probe
NEET Scam – The Nashik Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the alleged NEET examination paper leak case, uncovering what investigators believe was a wider interstate network involved in the illegal circulation of question papers ahead of the medical entrance examination.
According to officials, the accused was taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon from the Indira Nagar area of Nandgaon in Maharashtra’s Nashik district. Police said the suspect had altered his appearance, including changing his hairstyle and clothing style, in an apparent attempt to avoid identification during the investigation.
Allegations of High-Value Question Paper Deals
Preliminary findings suggest that the accused allegedly bought the leaked NEET question paper for nearly ₹10 lakh before distributing copies to candidates from multiple states at a significantly higher amount. Investigators claim each set was sold for approximately ₹15 lakh through contacts linked to medical admission counselling operations.
Police officials stated that at least 10 students are believed to have received the leaked material through the network. The transactions are suspected to have been carried out using connections developed through educational counselling services operating in different regions.
Medical Counselling Centre Under Investigation
Authorities identified the accused as a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery graduate who reportedly operated a medical admission counselling centre in Nashik along with associates. Investigators are now examining whether the counselling setup was used as a front to connect students with individuals involved in the paper leak racket.
Officials said the accused’s professional background and involvement in medical admission guidance may have helped him establish contacts with aspirants preparing for competitive entrance examinations.
Interstate Network Came Under Scanner
The investigation has also revealed possible links to a larger organised network spread across several states. Police believe the operation extended beyond Maharashtra and included individuals based in Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Law enforcement agencies are now trying to identify the full chain of people involved in obtaining, distributing, and selling the examination paper. Officials suspect the accused may have been working with multiple agents who coordinated communication with students and intermediaries.
Rajasthan Police Shared Initial Inputs
Nashik Police officials confirmed that information provided by the Rajasthan Police played an important role in tracing the suspect. Investigators later gathered additional references and digital clues through social media activity, which reportedly helped narrow down the accused’s movements and possible contacts.
The police are currently analysing electronic records, communication details, and financial transactions connected to the case. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests as the inquiry progresses.
Central Agencies Likely to Continue Probe
Authorities indicated that the custody of the accused may soon be transferred to a central investigative agency for further questioning and coordination with other state police units. Officials believe a broader investigation is necessary due to the interstate nature of the alleged operation and the involvement of multiple examination-related entities.
The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered concern among students and parents across the country, raising questions over the security and transparency of competitive examinations. Investigators are continuing efforts to determine how the question paper was accessed before the examination and whether more individuals were involved in facilitating the leak.