Did Samastipur Police Bust a NEET Racket?

Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events during the NEET UG 2025 exam, Samastipur Police have apprehended two individuals for impersonation and fraud. With a large sum of cash and multiple admit cards seized, this case sheds light on a larger network potentially deceiving candidates. What will the authorities uncover next?
Key Takeaways
- Two arrests made in NEET UG 2025 examination fraud case.
- Police seized multiple admit cards and cash.
- Investigation reveals a scholars-for-hire racket.
- Three-layered security system implemented at exam centers.
- No evidence of a question paper leak found.
Patna, May 5 (NationPress) In a significant operation during the NEET UG 2025 examination, police in Samastipur apprehended two suspects on allegations of impersonation and examination fraud, as confirmed by officials on Monday.
The individuals arrested are identified as Dr. Ranjit Kumar, employed at Begusarai jail, and Lal Babu Malik, a resident of Lahariasarai block in Darbhanga district.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanjay Pandey, the pair was part of a scholars-for-hire scheme, where actual NEET candidates were replaced by impersonators to take the exam on their behalf.
“We noticed suspicious activities at a testing center in Mohanpur on Sunday. Following our surveillance, we detained the suspects and seized their mobile devices,” Pandey stated.
He further mentioned that the investigation revealed multiple NEET admit cards stored on their phones, alongside a vehicle used in the operation and Rs 50,000 in cash, believed to be part of the payment arrangement with the candidates.
“They admitted to charging anywhere between Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh per candidate to supply a scholar for the exam,” he added.
ASP Pandey indicated that the police are currently verifying the admit cards found on the mobile phones and identifying the original candidates involved in this scheme.
The district police are working to determine the full scale of the impersonation network and potential beneficiaries.
ASP Pandey clarified that there is no evidence of a question paper leak in Samastipur, and the ongoing investigation is strictly focused on impersonation.
The NEET UG 2025 examination, conducted on Sunday, saw participation from over 1.25 lakh candidates in Bihar alone. A three-layered security system was implemented across all centers.
The administration also introduced mobile jammers to prevent unauthorized communications. Candidates were permitted to bring only admit cards, pens, and transparent water bottles, while prohibiting mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, or any other electronics. The same regulations applied to invigilators.