Bhilwara Police arrested a 19-year-old student, Akash Chaudhary, on Thursday night for allegedly creating and selling a fake NEET-UG question paper using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and online resources — a racket operated through Telegram just days before the re-conduct of the examination. A court has remanded him to police custody until 22 June.

How the Fake Paper Racket Worked

According to investigators, Chaudhary was inspired by the nationwide controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and subsequent cancellation of the examination. Spotting an opportunity, he reportedly began harvesting NEET study material, question banks, and probable questions from Google and other online platforms. He then compiled these into a forged question paper using AI tools, marketing it as an authentic leaked paper.

To distribute the paper, Chaudhary created a Telegram group named 'Paper Mafia', which drew 54 members — including NEET aspirants from Rajasthan and other states. Police said seven members purchased the fake paper, with Chaudhary charging between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per candidate. His alleged total earnings stood at around ₹18,000.

Digital Trail and the Arrest

In an attempt to conceal his identity, Chaudhary reportedly routed his Telegram activity through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) linked to a US-based server. However, the group's provocative name and suspicious activity drew the attention of intelligence agencies and local police. Acting on technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, officers laid a trap in Patel Nagar, Bhilwara, and apprehended him on Thursday night.

During the operation, police recovered two mobile phones, a bank passbook, and NEET preparation material and notebooks. The seized devices are currently being examined to determine the full extent of the fraud and identify any additional accomplices or beneficiaries.

A Minor Accomplice Also Detained

A minor who allegedly assisted Chaudhary in managing the Telegram group and adding members was detained on Friday. Investigators are probing whether the accused had links to any larger examination fraud network, and are working to identify all individuals involved in the circulation and purchase of the forged paper.

Background and Family Response

According to Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Nemichand Chaudhary, Akash Chaudhary is a resident of Patel Nagar, Bhilwara, originally from Churu district. His family has lived in Bhilwara for nearly 25 years, and his father works in the RIICO industrial area. Police noted that Chaudhary was himself preparing for recruitment into the Indian Air Force at the time of the alleged offence.

Family members expressed shock at the arrest, describing Chaudhary as a bright student and attributing the incident to immaturity and poor judgement rather than criminal intent. The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to trace the full chain of distribution and purchase.