The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded that Sanjeev Kumar, alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, was not involved in the NEET-UG 2024 question paper theft case, stating that no evidence of his participation emerged during its comprehensive probe. The agency confirmed the finding in an official statement, clarifying that it did not file any charge sheet against him in the matter.

Why Mukhiya Was Named in the First Place

The case was originally registered by Bihar Police after the theft of the NEET-UG 2024 examination question paper was detected. At the preliminary stage, suspicion arose regarding Mukhiya's possible involvement due to his alleged links to other examination paper leak cases. He was accordingly named as an accused in the First Information Report (FIR).

Mukhiya had remained absconding during the relevant period and was subsequently arrested by Bihar Police in connection with separate cases. Since he was a named accused in the NEET-UG 2024 FIR, the CBI took him into police custody for examination in the matter.

What the CBI Investigation Found

After a detailed probe, the CBI said it had identified the entire conspiracy and all individuals involved in the theft and subsequent distribution of the stolen question paper, as well as every candidate who benefited from its use. The agency stated that none of those involved escaped the legal process.

'No evidence of his involvement in the NEET-UG 2024 case emerged during the investigation. Consequently, the CBI did not file any charge sheet against him in the case, and he subsequently secured bail,' the agency said in its statement.

Mukhiya Remains in Judicial Custody

Despite securing bail in the CBI case, Sanjeev Mukhiya continues to remain in judicial custody, as he is an accused in other cases being investigated by Bihar Police. The CBI clarified this distinction to avoid any misreading of his bail status in the NEET-UG matter.

Charge Sheets Filed Against 45 Accused

The CBI has filed multiple charge sheets against 45 accused before the competent court in Patna. The investigation was transferred from Bihar Police to the CBI following the scale and national significance of the paper leak, which triggered widespread protests and legal challenges across the country.

Notably, the agency asserted that its position on Mukhiya's role had already been clarified in 2024, and that the current narrative suggesting his deliberate omission from the case was 'factually incorrect.' The clarification comes amid renewed public and political scrutiny of the NEET-UG 2024 controversy, which shook confidence in India's medical entrance examination system.

With charge sheets now filed, the case moves toward trial, and the courts in Patna will determine the culpability of the 45 accused identified by the CBI.