NEET paper leak scandal rocks India's education system; ‘Solver Gang’ uncovered
New Delhi: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) has been embroiled in controversy after an investigation uncovered a 'solver gang' operating nationwide.
Led by Ravi Atri, the syndicate allegedly planned the leak of NEET-UG papers in Bihar. Atri, a former medical student himself, capitalized on his connections within the 'exam mafia' to procure and distribute solved question papers through social media channels.
The scandal unfolded when an unusually high number of candidates scored a perfect 720, initially attributed to administrative errors. However, Bihar Police later confirmed that select candidates had access to the exam paper a day before the test, fueling widespread outrage and legal actions across the country.
The Supreme Court has also criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for its handling of the situation, leading to nationwide protests and demands for accountability.
The government has since launched a CBI probe into the matter and implemented stringent measures to prevent future exam malpractices.
Sanjeev Mukhiya, another central figure in the 'solver gang', remains under scrutiny.
Mukhiya does not stand alone in his family's criminal background. Sources reveal his son's arrest in connection with the leaked question papers for the third phase of teacher recruitment exams conducted by BPSC.
The investigation has revealed a network extending from constable recruitment exams to teacher recruitment exams across multiple states, illustrating the scale and reach of the operation.
Sources say that Mukhiya may have fled to Nepal after the controversy snowballed, complicating extradition procedures due to the bilateral agreements between India and Nepal.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has defended the integrity of NEET, dismissing calls for its cancellation to avoid penalizing genuine candidates.
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Three footballers of Indian origin named in squads for FIFA World Cup 2026
New Delhi: Three footballers of Indian origin have been named in preliminary or final squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
According to a report published by Mathrubhumi, Sarpreet Singh was included in the New Zealand national football team squad which was announced on Wednesday.
Born in Auckland to Indian parents, Singh was eligible to represent India through his family roots but chose to play for New Zealand. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder made his senior international debut in 2018 and has since become a regular member of the national side.
Singh has made 26 appearances for New Zealand and has scored three goals while providing seven assists.
Julen Lopetegui has included two players of Indian origin: Niall Mason and Tahsin Mohammed, in Qatar’s selections for the tournament.
Mason, a defender whose mother is Indian, previously trained in the youth academies of Real Madrid, Southampton FC and Aston Villa FC. Although he received his first senior call-up earlier this year, the Qatar defender is yet to make his senior international debut.
Tahsin Mohammed, 19, was born to parents from Kerala’s Kannur district. His father Jamshid is from Thalassery, while his mother Shaima belongs to Valapattanam. The winger became the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League, Qatar’s premier domestic football competition.
Mohammed has made two appearances for the senior Qatar side, including in a World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in June 2024.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
