Noida, 01 July 2024: A doctor and his son from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, are under investigation by the Bihar police for their alleged involvement in a NEET exam cheating scandal. According to the police, Dr. RP Pandey, a private hospital owner, paid ₹4 lakh to arrange for a solver to appear in the NEET exam in place of his son, Raj Pandey, who was a NEET aspirant. The solver, identified as Hukma Ram, a third-year MBBS student at AIIMS-Jodhpur, was caught on May 5 while attempting to write the exam at a Center in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
Investigations Reveal Elaborate Cheating Scheme
Investigations revealed that Raj Pandey had met the solver in Kota, where he was preparing for the NEET exam, and made the arrangements prior to applying for the exam. The doctor and his son remain at large as the Bihar police continue their search.
This incident is the latest in a series of NEET exam cheating cases that have come to light in recent years. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET exam, has been grappling with various forms of malpractice, including paper leaks and impersonation.
Concerns Over Integrity of NEET Exam
In another case, the Delhi Police busted a NEET exam paper solver racket, arresting four individuals, including two MBBS students from government medical colleges. The racket involved providing impersonators to write the exam for aspirants in exchange for hefty fees ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
NEET exam, which is a crucial gateway for students aspiring to pursue medical education in India, has been marred by such incidents, raising concerns about the integrity of the examination process. Many students and their families have expressed disappointment and a loss of trust in the system, demanding a re-examination of the NEET 2024 results.
Calls for Comprehensive Investigation and Reforms
Supreme Court has directed the NTA to file a response on the alleged question paper leaks within two weeks, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Experts have emphasized that the issue goes beyond simply offering retests to a subset of candidates and requires a comprehensive investigation and reforms to address the deeper systemic problems.
NEET exam cheating cases have not only tarnished the reputation of the exam but also raised questions about the accessibility and fairness of the medical education system in India. As the authorities continue their investigations, it is crucial that stringent measures are put in place to ensure the integrity of the NEET exam and restore the trust of aspiring medical students and their families.
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