Did UP STF Uncover a NEET UG Exam Rigging Racket in Noida?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking operation, the UP STF has apprehended three individuals in Noida for their alleged involvement in a NEET UG exam rigging scheme. This bust reveals alarming tactics used to exploit students, raising questions about the integrity of competitive exams in India.
Key Takeaways
- UP STF conducted a major operation against exam rigging.
- Three suspects were arrested in Noida.
- Gang offered guaranteed admissions to candidates.
- Substantial evidence was seized by the authorities.
- Further investigations are ongoing.
Noida, May 5 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has dismantled a network accused of manipulating the NEET UG and other competitive exams, resulting in the arrest of three suspects in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district's Noida.
The individuals apprehended have been named as Vikram Kumar Shah, Dharampal Singh, and Aniket Kumar. Their capture occurred in Sector 3, within the jurisdiction of the Phase-1 police station in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The suspects are now facing charges under FIR No. 182/2025 at the Phase-1 police station, with allegations under sections 318, 319, 336, 337, 338, 340, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Local law enforcement has initiated additional legal actions.
The STF has confiscated a substantial amount of incriminating materials from the suspects, including six calling mobile phones, four personal phones, two encrypted Aadhaar cards, a candidate data sheet, a PAN card, a credit card, a voter ID, a passport, a cheque book, an Apple MacBook, and a Toyota Fortuner.
Following specific intelligence received on May 3, the STF Noida team, led by Additional SP Raj Kumar Mishra and Deputy SP Navendu Kumar, conducted a raid on the gang's office situated in Sector 3.
The intelligence indicated that gang members were reaching out to relatives of NEET UG candidates, promising guaranteed success through leaked papers in exchange for hefty fees.
As per the STF, the suspects were apprehended on the spot. During questioning, 30-year-old Vikram Kumar Shah disclosed that he hails from Darbhanga, Bihar and had enrolled at Vinayaka Mission University in Chennai in 2011 for a Biotechnology degree, where he met co-accused Aniket Kumar. Together, they began facilitating admissions at the university for a 30% commission.
After completing his degree, Shah relocated to Delhi, where he partnered with Dharampal Singh. They established a firm named "Admission View" and began gathering data on MBBS aspirants. They reportedly contacted students' families, guaranteeing admissions and demanding Rs 5 lakh per candidate, according to the STF.
The gang advised candidates to fill in only the answers they were certain of on the OMR sheet and leave the rest blank. They would then substitute the OMR sheets with ones that contained the correct answers. If a candidate secured admission, the gang retained the funds; otherwise, they would delay refunds and escape if legal consequences arose.
After numerous complaints, the gang rebranded in 2023, forming another company named "SHREYANVI EDU OPC PVT LTD", registered again in Noida Sector 3, and resumed their fraudulent activities, targeting students ahead of the NEET UG 2025, as reported by the STF.
Ongoing investigations are in progress.
Point of View
It’s vital to recognize the implications of this incident on public trust in educational institutions. The UP STF's decisive action reflects a commitment to uphold the integrity of competitive examinations. It is essential that authorities maintain vigilance to prevent such fraudulent activities, ensuring that genuine candidates have a fair opportunity to succeed.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the NEET UG exam rigging racket?
The NEET UG exam rigging racket involved a gang that promised guaranteed admissions to candidates by leaking exam papers in exchange for large sums of money. They manipulated OMR sheets to ensure candidates would pass.
Who were the arrested individuals?
The individuals arrested are Vikram Kumar Shah, Dharampal Singh, and Aniket Kumar, all accused of being part of the exam rigging scheme.
What evidence was seized by the STF?
The STF seized multiple mobile phones, encrypted Aadhaar cards, candidate data sheets, and other incriminating documents from the suspects.
What actions have been taken against the accused?
The accused have been booked under FIR No. 182/2025 at the Phase-1 police station, facing multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
How did the gang operate?
The gang contacted relatives of NEET UG candidates, offering them guaranteed results and demanding significant fees. They replaced OMR sheets to ensure candidates would secure admissions.
