NEET-UG – CBI Finds No Evidence Against Sanjeev Mukhiya in Paper Leak Probe
NEET-UG – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded that its probe into the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak found no evidence connecting Sanjeev Kumar, also known as Sanjeev Mukhiya, to the theft or circulation of the examination question paper.
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday clarified that its detailed inquiry into the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak did not uncover any material linking Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya to the theft or subsequent distribution of the leaked examination paper. The agency stated that while Mukhiya had initially come under suspicion during the early stages of the investigation, the evidence collected during the probe did not establish his involvement in the case.
Initial Suspicion Led to FIR Inclusion
According to the CBI, the matter first came to light in 2024 when Bihar Police detected the theft of the NEET-UG question paper and registered a criminal case. During the preliminary investigation, investigators suspected Mukhiya because of his alleged association with other examination paper leak cases. Based on those initial findings, Bihar Police included his name as an accused in the First Information Report (FIR).
However, officials emphasized that the inclusion was based on preliminary suspicion at that stage and was subject to further investigation after the case changed hands.
CBI Conducted an Extensive Investigation
After the case was transferred, the CBI carried out an extensive investigation to trace the entire network behind the paper leak. The agency said it successfully identified every individual involved in stealing the question paper, those responsible for distributing it further, and the beneficiaries who allegedly gained access to the leaked material.
The investigation resulted in multiple charge sheets being filed before a Patna court against a total of 45 accused persons. According to the agency, the evidence gathered during the probe helped establish the complete chain of the conspiracy involving those directly connected to the crime.
No Material Found Against Mukhiya
The investigating agency stated that despite examining all available evidence and questioning Mukhiya after taking him into police custody, it found nothing that could establish his role in either the theft or the circulation of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper.
The CBI explained that Mukhiya had remained absconding during a significant phase of the investigation before being arrested by Bihar Police in connection with other matters. Since he had already been named in the original FIR, the agency obtained his custody to question him specifically regarding the NEET-UG case.
Following detailed interrogation and examination of evidence, investigators concluded that there was no basis to prosecute him in connection with the paper leak.
No Charge Sheet Filed in NEET-UG Case
As the investigation failed to establish his involvement, the CBI decided not to include Mukhiya in any of the charge sheets filed in the NEET-UG 2024 case. Consequently, he secured bail in the matter.
The agency clarified, however, that his release in the CBI investigation did not immediately result in his freedom, as he continued to remain in judicial custody due to his involvement in separate criminal cases being investigated by Bihar Police.
Agency Says Entire Conspiracy Has Been Identified
The CBI maintained that its investigation into the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak has comprehensively identified the conspiracy and all individuals responsible for the offence. Officials said the probe ensured that every person found to be directly involved in the theft, distribution, and misuse of the leaked question paper was brought within the scope of the law.
Reiterating its findings, the agency stated that after a thorough review of evidence, there was no justification for prosecuting Sanjeev Mukhiya in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case. The investigation, according to the CBI, has now clearly established the roles of the accused against whom charge sheets have been filed, while excluding individuals against whom no supporting evidence was found.