Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) investigation into alleged malpractice in the NEET-UG examination in Bihar has widened, with the agency examining the possible involvement of medical students and doctors who allegedly appeared for other candidates as ‘solvers’.
Students from institutions including Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital (ANMCH) in Gaya, Bettiah Medical College and Pawapuri Medical College are among those whose roles are being examined, according to investigators.
The agency is also looking into the possible involvement of students from nursing and dental colleges.
Doctors’ arrests provide leads
The investigation gained further leads following the arrests of doctors Ravishankar alias Samrat and Ujjwal. EOU is examining whether an organised network arranged for other people to appear at examination centres on behalf of candidates.
Investigators are now working to identify students who may have allegedly acted as solvers in return for money or other benefits.
Biometric process under scrutiny
The investigation has also brought the biometric verification process at examination centres under scrutiny.
EOU is examining the role of biometric manpower suppliers, vendors and people allegedly involved in preparing fake Aadhaar cards. The agency has been conducting searches and questioning people suspected of providing logistical or technical assistance to the alleged network.
Further questioning planned
EOU is preparing to question Ravishankar and his brother Ashwini again after their remand in judicial custody. Investigators are expected to seek details about other people allegedly linked to the network and how the suspected examination fraud was carried out.
Separately, the agency is examining allegations related to preparations for malpractice in next year’s NEET examination. The operator of Sunrise Innovation Online Exam Centre is also likely to be questioned over an alleged agreement involving an online examination centre.
MBBS examination also under probe
The investigation has also expanded to MBBS examinations conducted by a university having its headquarters in Patna.
EOU reportedly recovered an unused MBBS examination booklet during a search of Ashwini’s premises. Investigators are examining how the booklet came into his possession and whether it was intended to facilitate malpractice.
The agency may also seek information from the university administration as part of the probe.
Documents from multiple examinations recovered
During searches, EOU recovered admit cards, mark sheets, original certificates, transfer certificates and other documents linked to candidates appearing in various competitive and recruitment examinations.
The agency is verifying the identities of the candidates associated with the documents. Notices are being issued to people linked to recovered admit cards and certificates, including disability, caste and income certificates, as well as blank cheques.
Further arrests possible
The investigation is examining possible links between medical students, doctors, examination-centre personnel and people allegedly involved in preparing documents.
The agency has not indicated the final extent of the network. Further arrests are possible if investigators establish the allegations with sufficient evidence.
EOU is continuing to verify documents, question suspects and trace the people allegedly connected with the examination malpractice.
