Allegations and Arrests
Bihar is currently embroiled in a significant political controversy following allegations of a NEET-UG question paper leak, which has intensified conflicts between the ruling BJP-JD(U) coalition and the opposition RJD. The controversy has led to widespread protests across the country due to accusations of leaked question papers and biased markings. The central figure in the controversy is Sikandar Yadavendu, who is suspected by authorities to be the mastermind behind the NEET question paper leak.
On May 4, the Patna police received a tip-off about the suspected paper leak just hours before the NEET-UG exam. Subsequently, over a dozen people were arrested, including Anurag Yadav, a NEET candidate, his uncle Sikandar Yadavendu, Nitish Kumar, and Amit Anand. Anurag Yadav claimed that his uncle provided him with the leaked paper, which contained questions identical to those on the actual exam.
Political Accusations and Conflicts
The controversy has sparked a political clash in Bihar, with the ruling BJP-JD(U) coalition and the opposition RJD exchanging accusations. Deputy CM Vijay Sinha alleged that Tejashwi Yadav’s personal secretary, Pritam Kumar, booked rooms for Sikandar Yadavendu at a guesthouse on May 1 and May 4. Sinha accused the RJD of playing with the future of students and attempting to influence the appointment process.
Sinha demanded that Tejashwi Yadav clarify Pritam Kumar’s current position and his connection with Sikandar Yadavendu. He also highlighted Yadavendu’s past association with Lalu Prasad Yadav, alleging that Yadavendu was involved in scams and served Lalu during his imprisonment in Ranchi.
Statements and Reactions
Pradip Kumar, the guesthouse worker, confirmed that Pritam Kumar called him to book rooms for Sikandar Yadavendu on the specified dates. Pradip requested a requisition, which Pritam promised to provide. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also commented on the matter, expressing his desire for justice and thanking the court for its involvement.
Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court has taken action on a plea from the National Testing Agency (NTA) concerning the NEET-UG 2024 examination. The court issued a notice requesting the transfer of petitions regarding the NEET-UG exams from various high courts to itself and halted proceedings in the high courts on this matter. The Supreme Court emphasized that the counselling process for NEET-UG will continue without interruption.
Additionally, the court notified the Centre and NTA about a petition filed by students from Meghalaya who appeared for the NEET-UG exam. These students claimed they lost 45 minutes during the exam and requested to be included among the 1,563 students who were granted grace marks and given the option for a re-exam on June 23.
Conclusion
The NEET-UG question paper leak controversy has not only raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process but also fueled political tensions in Bihar. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring a fair resolution for the affected students and maintaining the credibility of the NEET-UG exam.
Stay updated with Sarhind Times for more detailed coverage on this developing story.
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