Maharashtra TET paper leak: Mastermind's wife arrested in Patna, hunt on for Bijendra Gupta
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The investigation into the alleged Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has intensified with the arrest of Suman Kumari, wife of alleged mastermind Bijendra Gupta, from Patna on 30 June. Maharashtra Police and Patna Police are jointly questioning her over her suspected role in the examination paper leak and related financial transactions.
What Led to Suman Kumari's Arrest
Investigators suspect Suman Kumari played a key role in handling financial transactions linked to the alleged paper leak operation. Police also believe she remained in contact with her husband Bijendra Gupta and other members of the alleged network after the TET question paper was leaked. Her interrogation is expected to help trace the flow of money and identify further individuals connected to the case.
Prior to her arrest, Maharashtra Police had taken three other accused into custody: Rajiv Shah and Akash Kumar from Patna, and Dheeraj Kumar from Panipat, Haryana. According to investigators, interrogation of these three accused pointed to Bijendra Gupta as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
Nationwide Hunt for Bijendra Gupta
Police teams are conducting raids across Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, and Agra in a bid to apprehend Gupta, who is originally from Sherpur village under the Vidyapati police station area of Samastipur district, Bihar. Investigators believe he played a central role in organising the alleged paper leak network.
His father, Baleshwar Gupta, told reports that the family had lost contact with Bijendra years ago after he left the village for further studies in Begusarai. The family reportedly said it was unaware of the nature of his work and was deeply distressed after learning his name had surfaced in connection with the case.
Bijendra Gupta's Criminal Background
Police records indicate that Bijendra Gupta has previously been linked to criminal cases. According to investigators, he was the prime accused in a murder case registered in 2003 and has also been associated with investigations into alleged paper leak cases involving examinations including NEET-UG and the Odisha Staff Selection Commission examination. These allegations form part of the ongoing police investigation and the case remains under inquiry.
What Investigators Are Examining
Maharashtra Police teams remain deployed in Bihar as part of the operation to arrest the alleged mastermind. Investigators are examining financial records, communication details, and the roles of other suspected members of the network. Police have indicated that further arrests are possible as additional evidence is collected regarding the alleged examination malpractice.