Why is the ED Raiding Multiple Locations in Ranchi and Patna Linked to the NEET-UG Paper Leak?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ED raids indicate serious allegations of money laundering.
- Sanjeev Mukhiya is identified as a key player in the scandal.
- CBI's findings have prompted further investigations by the ED.
- Significant arrests have been made connected to the leak.
- The NEET-UG paper leak raises questions about educational integrity.
Ranchi/Patna, June 19 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a series of raids across various sites in the Bariatu area of Ranchi, along with locations in Patna and Nalanda in Bihar, as part of its investigation into the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak case, which is currently under scrutiny for money laundering.
Sources indicate that the ED is delving into financial dealings linked to Sanjeev Mukhiya, a resident of Bihar who is suspected to be the orchestrator of the leak, together with various relatives and associates.
The agency launched a money laundering investigation after the CBI uncovered substantial cash transactions associated with the leak. An Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) has been filed by the ED concerning this matter.
The leak was first reported in May 2024, post the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions.
Initially, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in Patna began the investigation, which was subsequently transferred to the CBI.
Sanjeev Mukhiya was identified as the suspected mastermind and was arrested in late April, currently being held in judicial custody.
On Thursday, ED officials conducted searches at the residence of Mukhiya’s close associate, Sikandar Prasad Yadavendra, located in Ranchi, as well as his son, Dr. Shiv, in Patna.
Previously, the CBI arrested several individuals connected to the leak, including Ehsan Ul Haq, the principal of Oasis School and NTA City Coordinator, along with Mohammad Imtiaz, the vice principal, journalist Jamaluddin, and guest house operator Rajkumar alias Raju, all hailing from Hazaribagh.
The investigation by the CBI revealed that the NEET-UG question paper was leaked from the exam center at Oasis School in Hazaribagh. It was reportedly transported to Patna, where students were provided early access to the paper in a hostel and were coached on the correct answers in return for significant sums of money.