Patna HC Approves Bail for NEET-UG Question Paper Leak Suspect
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Synopsis
The Patna High Court has granted bail to Sikandar Yadavendu, implicated in the NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation. His attorney argued the charges were unfounded, leading to a bail decision that allows Yadavendu to assist authorities while addressing allegations against him.
Key Takeaways
- Patna High Court grants bail to Sikandar Yadavendu.
- Yadavendu's attorney claims charges are unfounded.
- Case transferred from local police to CBI.
- Significant media attention on the case.
- Investigation remains active with over 30 arrests.
Patna, April 9 (NationPress) The Patna High Court has granted bail to Sikandar Yadavendu, a suspect in the prominent NEET-UG 2024 question paper leak scandal, on Wednesday.
This bail decision offers significant relief to Yadavendu and his family, who have faced months of rigorous media scrutiny and accusations from law enforcement agencies.
The case was first recorded under Shastri Nagar Police Station Case No. 358/2024, subsequently transferred to the Economic Offence Unit of the Bihar Police, and later assigned to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which officially took over on June 23, 2024.
During the hearing, Yadavendu’s attorney Apoorv Harsh contended that the charges against his client lacked merit and were devoid of any substantial evidence.
He further claimed that Yadavendu's only involvement was in securing a hotel room for family members, asserting that he played no part in the alleged conspiracy, which included leaking the examination paper or aiding solver gangs.
The High Court, upon granting bail, instructed Yadavendu to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and law enforcement officials.
This case has been high-profile from the beginning, attracting significant media coverage. Initially, Sikandar Yadavendu was depicted as the “mastermind” in various media reports, which had a detrimental effect on his and his family’s reputation.
The bail ruling has provided a degree of vindication.
The CBI had previously filed its first FIR identifying eight suspects, including Sanjeev Mukhiya, Ayush Raj, Rocky, Amit Anand, Nitish Kumar, Bittu, Akhilesh, and Sikandar Yadavendu.
Among these, Yadavendu is the first to receive bail from the High Court. To date, more than 30 individuals have been arrested in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak.
The investigation is ongoing under the oversight of central agencies. The alleged main mastermind, Sanjeev Mukhiya, has been on the run since the case emerged on May 5, 2024.
He hails from the Nalanda district, and the CBI has conducted multiple raids and interrogated his relatives in pursuit of leads regarding his whereabouts.
