NEET-UG Retest Leak Video Declared Fake; Authorities Hunt Creators
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has confirmed that a video allegedly showing a leak of the NEET-UG retest question paper is fake. The video, which circulated on social media platforms, claimed to show a paper being accessed before the examination. Officials stated that the footage has been doctored and is part of an attempt to undermine the credibility of the retest.
The NEET-UG retest was conducted on June 23, 2024, for 1,563 candidates who were affected by irregularities in the original exam on May 5. The original exam faced allegations of paper leaks and malpractices, leading to a CBI investigation and the retest. The recent fake video raised concerns about a repeat of such incidents, but authorities have moved swiftly to clarify its inauthenticity.
The CBI has launched a hunt for the creators of the video. Preliminary investigations suggest the video was created using existing footage and manipulated audio. The agency is tracking the digital footprint of the uploaders and examining social media metadata. Legal action under the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code is expected.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged students and parents not to be misled by such videos. He reiterated the government's commitment to transparency in the examination process. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET-UG, also issued a statement calling the video 'baseless and malicious.'
The fake video incident highlights the challenges of misinformation in high-stakes examinations. Experts have called for stronger digital literacy among students and prompt action against those spreading false content. The CBI has assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly to identify and prosecute the culprits.
In a related development, the CBI has also been probing the original NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, which led to the retest. Several arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. The agency is examining possible links between the fake video and the earlier leak network.
