ED Uncovers Link Between Bihar Constable Recruitment Scam and NEET Paper Leak: Raids Conducted Across 11 Locations

Introduction

In a major breakthrough, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has discovered a critical link between the Bihar constable recruitment scam and the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, indicating the presence of a nationwide education and recruitment scam network. Acting on actionable intelligence, the ED conducted raids at 11 locations across multiple states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

This development adds a new dimension to the NEET paper leak controversy, which has already sparked nationwide outrage. The interlinking of recruitment fraud with academic paper leaks suggests the existence of an organized syndicate manipulating both public sector job appointments and entrance examinations.

The Connection: What the ED Has Found

According to sources within the Enforcement Directorate, the same network involved in manipulating the Bihar constable recruitment exam is believed to have played a key role in the leak and distribution of NEET-UG question papers. Evidence gathered during the raids points to:

• Common handlers and middlemen involved in both scams

• Similar payment channels used to collect bribes from aspirants

• Recovered digital communications, including WhatsApp chats, Google Drive links, and call records that point to coordinated activities

• The presence of coaching institute operators and exam center officials in both scams

The ED has reportedly seized laptops, mobile devices, forged admit cards, and large amounts of unaccounted cash during these coordinated searches.

States and Cities Raided

The ED teams carried out simultaneous raids in:

• Patna and Gaya (Bihar)

• Ranchi (Jharkhand)

• Varanasi and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)

• New Delhi

• Kolkata and smaller towns linked to coaching hubs

Investigators are also scrutinizing the financial transactions of exam preparation centers that allegedly acted as intermediaries.

The Larger Nexus: How the Syndicate Operated

Preliminary findings suggest that the syndicate had access to:

• Question papers before the exams

• Insider information from printing presses and exam boards

• Recruiters and agents who facilitated candidate placement in return for bribes

In the case of Bihar Police constable recruitment, dummy candidates were allegedly used, biometric frauds were committed, and pre-determined roll numbers were marked for favorable results.

In the NEET paper leak, the syndicate reportedly charged between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per student, with papers shared hours before the exam using encrypted communication apps and secure delivery methods.

ED’s Financial Angle and Money Trail

Being a financial investigation agency, the ED is tracking the money laundering aspects of the scam under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Preliminary analysis shows:

• Use of hawala channels and cryptocurrency for moving bribe payments

• Creation of shell firms and fake education trusts

• Cash trails linked to real estate investments and benami assets

Several bank accounts have been frozen, and properties linked to suspects are under scanner.

Implications for NEET and Public Sector Exams

This scandal underscores the need for systemic reforms in:

• Exam security infrastructure

• Digital surveillance of exam centers

• Independent audits of recruitment and admission processes

It also raises questions about the credibility of recent NEET results and has reignited calls for a CBI-led investigation into the entire examination process.

Student groups and activists are demanding:

• Immediate cancellation of fraudulent results

• Re-examination where needed

• Blacklist of implicated institutions and coaching centers

Political and Public Reactions

Political opposition parties have accused the central and state governments of failing to protect the integrity of national exams and recruitments. Protests have erupted in several cities, and education activists are planning legal challenges to ensure justice for honest candidates.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) are under pressure to act swiftly and transparently.

Conclusion

The ED’s probe linking the Bihar constable recruitment scam with the NEET paper leak reveals a dangerous network that threatens the foundation of India’s merit-based education and recruitment system. As the investigation widens, it is crucial that systemic overhauls are implemented to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in future exams.