No Evidence Linking Sanjeev Mukhiya to NEET 2024 Paper Leak, Says CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has clarified that it found no evidence connecting Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya to the theft or distribution of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) 2024 question paper. Mukhiya is a key accused in other examination scams but was not chargesheeted in the NEET-UG case after a thorough investigation.

Mukhiya was arrested in April 2024 by Bihar Police in a midnight operation in Patna, ending an 11-month manhunt. He faced charges in at least four examination scams across multiple states and carried a bounty of Rs 3 lakh. The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak was detected on May 5, 2024, by Patna police, and the case was transferred to the CBI on June 23, 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, the CBI explained that while initial suspicion fell on Mukhiya due to his involvement in other paper theft cases, the investigation did not find his role in this specific incident. The agency identified all 45 persons involved in the theft and distribution of the paper and filed multiple chargesheets against them before the jurisdictional court in Patna.

"During the course of its investigation, CBI did not come across any evidence to establish the involvement of Mukhiya in the theft or distribution of the stolen NEET (UG) 2024 question paper," the agency said. "Having conducted a detailed and thorough investigation, CBI is satisfied that the entire conspiracy and the persons involved therein stand identified."

Mukhiya had been absconding during the relevant time and was arrested by Bihar Police in connection with other cases. Since he was named in the FIR, the CBI took his custody for examination but found no evidence linking him to the NEET-UG case. He was granted bail in this case but remains in judicial custody for other cases.

The CBI added that this clarification was already issued in 2024 and the current narrative about his deliberate omission is factually incorrect.