Patna: The Muzaffarpur police have dismantled a gang that allegedly cheated NEET-UG candidates and their families during the May 3 examination by circulating fake question papers through Telegram and collecting money in return. Four more accused have been arrested in the case, bringing the total number of arrests to five.
Background of the Case
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the NEET-UG conducted on May 3 following allegations of a question paper leak. The re-examination is scheduled for June 21.
Initial Raid and Arrest
Muzaffarpur SSP Kantesh Kumar Mishra said on Sunday that the case came to light after police received a tip-off on June 2 about a gang operating from a rented house near a chocolate factory in Balughat under the Sikandarpur police station area. Acting on the information, police raided the premises and arrested the alleged kingpin, Manish Jha. Four cellphones and a laptop were seized during the operation. A case was subsequently registered by Sikandarpur police and an investigation launched.
Formation of SIT and Further Arrests
Given the seriousness of the allegations, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed under the supervision of the SSP. Following technical surveillance and intelligence gathering, police carried out further operations on June 13 and arrested four more accused. The arrested accused have been identified as Harsh, Aman Kumar and Kanhaiya Kumar alias Manav, all residents of the Nagar police station area, and Harsh Kanodia, a resident of the Sikandarpur police station area.
Modus Operandi
Addressing reporters, Mishra said the accused admitted during questioning that they used Telegram channels to lure students and parents with promises of providing NEET question papers before the examination. "Victims were persuaded to transfer money through online transactions into multiple bank accounts controlled by the gang," he said.
Financial Trail
Investigators found the money was routed through at least nine bank accounts before reaching the account of Manish Jha. Three additional cellphones were recovered from the newly arrested accused.
Ongoing Investigation
Mishra said the SIT and the Cyber DSP's team were continuing the investigation, which involved extensive technical analysis. Several bank accounts used in the fraud were registered in the names of different people, making verification of transactions a lengthy process. "We are examining all the accounts through which money was received. The funds will be verified and appropriate legal action will be taken to freeze and seize the proceeds of the crime. Our effort is to identify the victims and, subject to legal procedures and court orders, facilitate the return of their money," Mishra said.
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About the Author: Faryal Rumi is working with the Times of India as a Senior Digital Content Creator on the Patna desk.
