The Maharashtra State Council of Education (MSCE) has been rocked by a major examination scandal as the alleged mastermind behind the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, Bijendra Gupta, was arrested from Bihar on Monday. Maharashtra Police's cyber cell, in coordination with Bihar Police, apprehended Gupta from a hideout in Patna, ending a month-long manhunt.
Details of the Arrest
According to a senior police officer, Gupta was tracked down using digital footprints and call detail records. He had been evading arrest since the leak came to light in early July. The police recovered several mobile phones, a laptop, and a diary containing details of payments and contacts of other accused persons. The Maharashtra TET paper was leaked hours before the exam on July 15, leading to the cancellation of the test across multiple centers and affecting over 2,000 candidates.
Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that Gupta, a former coaching center owner, had orchestrated the leak by bribing a printing press employee and an examination center supervisor. The question paper was photographed and shared via encrypted messaging apps within a network of candidates who paid between Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh each. Police have so far arrested 12 individuals, including four candidates, three middlemen, and two printing press workers.
"Gupta was the key link between the examination department and the candidates. He used to collect money and distribute the leaked paper through a chain of intermediaries," said a police spokesperson.
Impact on Candidates and Government Actions
The Maharashtra TET is mandatory for recruitment of teachers in state-run schools. The leak has forced the government to announce a re-examination, likely in September. Candidate welfare groups have demanded strict action and compensation for travel expenses incurred. Education Minister Deepak Vasant said, "We have zero tolerance for such malpractices. A high-level committee has been formed to tighten security for future exams."
Legal Proceedings
Gupta has been brought to Mumbai on transit remand and will face charges under the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices Act and the Indian Penal Code for cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The police are also probing possible links to other exam leaks in neighboring states.
