CBI files second charge sheet in NEET UG 2024 paper leak case

Patna- Delhi : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a second charge sheet in the ongoing NEET UG 2024 question paper theft case before the Special Court for CBI cases in Patna, according to an official press release. The charge sheet, filed against six accused individuals, includes charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Accused individuals named

The six accused named in the charge sheet are:

1. Baldev Kumar @ Chintu
2. Sunny Kumar
3. Dr. Ahsanul Haque (Principal of Oasis School, Hazaribagh & City Coordinator for NEET UG 2024)
4. Md. Imtiyaz Alam (Vice-Principal of Oasis School & Centre Superintendent for NEET UG 2024)
5. Jamaluddin @ Jamal (Reporter, Hazaribagh)
6. Aman Kumar Singh

This follows the first charge sheet, filed on August 1, 2024, against 13 individuals, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 48.

The conspiracy unfolds

CBI investigations revealed that Dr. Ahsanul Haque, in his role as City Coordinator for NEET UG 2024 in Hazaribagh, conspired with Vice Principal Md. Imtiyaz Alam and other accused to steal the question paper. Their collaboration extended to individuals outside the school, including Baldev Kumar and Sunny Kumar, with Jamaluddin, a reporter, also allegedly involved.

Charges filed

The charges against the accused include:

Section 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy)
Section 109 (Abetment)
Section 409 (Criminal Breach of Trust)
Section 420 (Cheating)
Section 380 (Theft)
Section 201 (Causing Disappearance of Evidence)
Section 411 (Dishonestly Receiving Stolen Property)

Additionally, Dr. Haque and Md. Imtiyaz Alam face charges under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).

Ongoing investigations

The CBI continues its investigation into other arrested individuals, as well as the broader aspects of the case. Details of beneficiary candidates from the leaked papers have been shared with the National Testing Agency for further action.