CBI gives clean chit to alleged 2024 NEET paper leak 'kingpin' as 2026 protests rage
New Delhi/IBNS: Amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday gave a clean chit to Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, who was widely believed to be the "kingpin" of the 2024 NEET paper leak, media reports said.
The central probe agency, which had taken over the case from the Bihar Police, said there was no evidence to establish Mukhiya's involvement in the theft and distribution of the 2024 NEET question paper.
CBI finds no evidence against Mukhiya
The case was initially registered by the Bihar Police in 2024 over the alleged theft of the NEET question paper.
Explaining the initial suspicion, a CBI spokesperson told NDTV: "At that stage, prima facie suspicion had emerged against Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, who may have been involved in the theft, as he was found involved in certain other paper theft/leak cases. Bihar Police accordingly named him as an accused in the FIR."
After taking over the investigation, the CBI identified those allegedly involved in the paper leak and subsequently filed a chargesheet against 45 people before a court in Patna.
The agency said its investigation did not uncover any evidence linking Mukhiya to the case.
"The entire crime and all the persons involved have been identified," the CBI said, adding that it was satisfied with the findings of its investigation.
Mukhiya remains in judicial custody
Since Mukhiya had been named in the original FIR, the CBI had taken him into custody during the investigation. He was later granted bail in the NEET paper leak case.
However, he continues to remain in judicial custody in connection with several other cases being investigated by the Bihar Police.
Protests over 2026 NEET paper leak continue
The development comes as student protests continue across the country over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has intensified its campaign against the Centre, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, in multiple public addresses, assured students that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the paper leak.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has announced the formation of fast-track courts to hear paper leak-related cases.
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