Jaipur: After Rajasthan’s Sikar district came under national scrutiny last month due to revelations linked to the alleged NEET paper leak racket, state agencies have heightened surveillance measures ahead of the NEET retest scheduled for June 21.
The Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) has established 27 dedicated special teams across the state. These teams are tasked with closely monitoring coaching institutes, paying guest (PG) accommodations, student hostels, examination-related networks, and individuals with a history of involvement in paper leak and cheating rackets.
Senior officials stated that the operation will focus particularly on Rajasthan’s major coaching hubs — Sikar, Kota, and Jaipur — where thousands of aspirants preparing for competitive examinations reside.
“The SOG has formed 27 special teams that will work in coordination with district police units and superintendents of police across Rajasthan. The objective is to identify any suspicious activity well before the examination and prevent organised malpractice networks from becoming active,” a senior police officer told TOI.
Officials said the teams have been instructed to maintain a close watch over suspects who have previously figured in investigations related to examination fraud, impersonation, solver gangs, and paper leak syndicates. Intelligence units have also been directed to gather information about any unusual movement of intermediaries, coaching operators, or agents suspected of facilitating cheating networks.
The heightened vigilance comes in the backdrop of the ongoing investigation into irregularities linked to NEET and other recruitment examinations, which have exposed a network of brokers, dummy candidates, and organised cheating rackets operating across multiple states.
According to officials, social media monitoring will form a crucial component of the preventive strategy. Dedicated cyber surveillance teams have been tasked with scanning messaging platforms, Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups, and other online forums where examination-related rumours, leaked content, or fraudulent claims may be circulated.
“We are closely monitoring social media platforms for any attempts to spread misinformation, circulate fake question papers, or establish contact with candidates through illegal means. Any suspicious activity will be immediately verified and acted upon,” an officer said.
The official said they have also placed PG hostels and student accommodations under the scanner. The SOG has further instructed district police units to strengthen coordination with coaching institutes and local administrators to ensure that any information regarding suspicious individuals or activities is promptly shared with investigators.
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