25-06-24: Sanjeev Mukhiya, a resident of Nagarsauna in Nalanda district of Bihar, has emerged as the alleged mastermind behind the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Known for orchestrating exam paper leaks of several exams, including the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), Mukhiya has a history of involvement in similar scandals.
Mukhiya’s Modus Operandi
Mukhiya, along with his son Shiv Kumar, is part of a notorious group called the ‘Mukhiya Solver Gang‘ believed to be involved in exam fraud. The gang charged aspirants between Rs 30 to Rs 50 lakh and accommodated them in small lodges in Patna, where they were provided with the leaked question papers to memorize. On the eve of the exam, the gang provided the aspirants with the leaked question paper and answers.
Mukhiya’s Political Connections
Mukhiya’s wife, Mamta Devi, had earlier contested elections on a ticket from Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party. Mukhiya’s political connections have been a subject of concern, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claiming that investigative agencies are not arresting him due to his political links.
Mukhiya’s Son in Jail
Mukhiya’s son, Shiv Kumar, a doctor by profession, was earlier arrested in the BPSC exam leak matter and is still serving a jail term.During investigations, it was revealed that Shiv Kumar had assisted in the paper leak of several exams.
Mukhiya’s Alleged Role in NEET-UG Paper Leak
In the recent NEET-UG paper leak case, Mukhiya allegedly accommodated nearly 25 candidates at a boys’ hostel associated with the Learn Play School in Patna on May 4, a day before the exam.The candidates were provided with the leaked question paper and answer sheets at the same hostel. It was alleged that the leaked papers were first provided to Mukhiya via a professor.
Mukhiya’s Arrest Warrant
As details of Mukhiya’s involvement in the NEET paper leak emerged, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police intensified efforts to arrest him. Police teams in Nalanda, Gaya, and Nawada districts were alerted, and pamphlets were printed to trace him. Meanwhile, the Bihar Police was preparing to arrest him after the completion of court proceedings against him.
Mukhiya’s Jharkhand Connection
Mukhiya’s gang is believed to have a nexus with the paper leak mafia in Jharkhand, particularly in Hazaribagh.According to sources within the EOU, Hazaribagh’s Oasis School was involved in the NEET paper leak, where a question paper was found tampered with. The evidence of tampering was submitted in a report to the Union Education Ministry, prompting it to involve the National Testing Agency (NTA) and eventually escalate the matter to the CBI for further investigation.
