ED draws link between Bihar constable recruitment scam and NEET paper leak, raids 11 locations across multiple cities
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found a direct connection between the Bihar constable recruitment scam and the NEET 2024 paper leak. In a fresh crackdown, the agency raided 11 locations across cities including Patna, Ranchi, Delhi, and Varanasi on Wednesday.
Officials said the raids exposed a common network of middlemen and coaching agents who manipulated both recruitment and entrance exams for profit.
Common Network Behind Both Scams
According to sources, key suspects in both scams operated within the same financial loop. These individuals helped candidates access leaked question papers and hired impersonators to write exams. They charged lakhs of rupees for these services.
Coaching centers, some now under the ED’s radar, allegedly served as hubs for planning and execution. The agency suspects they moved money through cash deals, fake accounts, and shell firms.
Background of the Scams
The Bihar constable exam came under scrutiny after reports of paper leaks and impersonation emerged earlier this year. Authorities arrested more than 30 people linked to the scam, including candidates and agents.
At the same time, the NEET-UG 2024 scandal triggered national outrage. Students and parents questioned the fairness of the exam after news surfaced about leaked papers and unauthorized grace marks.
ED’s Investigation and Financial Trail
The ED believes both scams involved crores in illicit money, routed through underground networks. Instead of using banks, the suspects dealt mostly in cash or hawala. Investigators recovered financial records, mobile phones, and digital evidence during the raids.
An ED officer said, “We are tracing transactions that show clear links between NEET suspects and those involved in the police recruitment fraud.”
Political Reactions and Rising Pressure
The findings have sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse the central government of failing to protect India’s exam system. “This shows how deep the corruption runs,” said a senior Congress leader.
Parents’ associations and student unions are also demanding accountability. Many have asked the Centre to suspend the National Testing Agency (NTA) and call for a fresh NEET exam.
What’s Next in the Probe
ED officials are now questioning coaching center owners and coordinators believed to be part of the racket. They plan to summon more people and may soon arrest higher-level players.
The agency also plans to expand the investigation to other exams, including medical and engineering entrance tests, where similar fraud might have occurred.
