CBI Gives Clean Chit to Sanjeev Mukhiya in NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak Case, Says No Evidence Found

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has said it found no evidence against Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya in the alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, a development that comes as student protests over examination irregularities intensify across the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly assured strict action against those responsible.

The agency said reports claiming Mukhiya was deliberately left out of the chargesheet were "factually incorrect", maintaining that its investigation did not establish his involvement in the theft or circulation of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper.

CBI says probe found no evidence

In an official statement, the CBI said it conducted a detailed investigation that included technical analysis, witness statements, examination of the accused and other evidence before arriving at its conclusion.

According to the agency, the probe did not uncover any material linking Mukhiya to the alleged paper leak. It added that investigators had identified those involved in the conspiracy, including individuals accused of stealing and circulating the question paper and candidates who allegedly benefited from it.

The CBI has therefore not named Mukhiya in any of the chargesheets filed in the case.

Why Mukhiya was under scrutiny

Mukhiya's name surfaced during the early stages of the investigation after Bihar Police suspected his involvement because of his alleged links to previous examination paper leak cases.

The CBI questioned him and examined a viral video that was claimed to show him entering a facility where examination papers were printed. Investigators later concluded that the footage dated back to 2023 and had no connection with the NEET-UG 2024 examination.

Decision comes amid nationwide agitation

The CBI's clarification comes at a politically sensitive moment, with demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak continuing in several cities.

Student organisations and political parties have staged protests demanding accountability over examination irregularities and action against those responsible. The issue has also become a major political flashpoint, with Opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously assured the country that those found guilty in the paper leak cases would face strict punishment, while the Centre has repeatedly maintained that the investigation is being carried out without interference.

Mukhiya still faces other cases

While the CBI has cleared Mukhiya in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak investigation, the agency's statement does not affect other criminal cases in which he has been named.

He continues to face allegations in separate examination paper leak cases in Bihar, including those related to recruitment examinations. The CBI clarified that its findings relate only to the NEET-UG 2024 investigation.