Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: Key Accused Bijendra Gupta Arrested in Bihar

The Maharashtra Police have arrested Bijendra Gupta, the alleged mastermind behind the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, from Bihar after he had been evading arrest for several months, officials confirmed on Saturday.

Gupta is suspected to have links with multiple examination paper leak cases across the country. Despite repeated raids by Maharashtra Police at various locations in Bihar, he had managed to remain at large. During the operation, police also apprehended another accused believed to be associated with the case.

Earlier, Maharashtra Police had arrested several individuals in connection with the TET paper leak, including Gupta's wife. However, Gupta's escape prompted an extensive interstate search operation to track his movements.

Investigators believe Gupta played a pivotal role in several examination paper leak cases reported from different parts of India, making him one of the most wanted accused in the Maharashtra TET case. Following his arrest, police are expected to bring him to Maharashtra on transit remand for sustained interrogation and further investigation.

Officials are also examining his alleged connections with other examination paper leak syndicates to determine the wider network and possible involvement in similar cases.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet on Friday approved a Draft Bill proposing significantly stricter punishments for paper leaks in competitive examinations. The move came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly committed to introducing fast-track courts and enhanced penalties to safeguard students' futures.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Modi at the Parliament House complex, gave its nod to amendments to The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. In cases of organised paper leaks, the Bill proposes a jail term of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore. This is a substantial increase over the existing law, which provides for three to five years' imprisonment for individuals and five to 10 years' imprisonment with a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore for organised crimes related to cheating and paper leaks.

The arrest and the proposed legislation underscore the government's efforts to curb malpractices in public examinations and protect the interests of students.