By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar has filed a charge sheet in connection with the Bihar Police constable recruitment exam paper leak case. The EOU has identified Sanjeev Mukhiya from Nalanda as the mastermind behind the paper leak gang. A charge sheet has also been filed against his son, Dr Shiv Kumar, along with his key associate Ashwini Ranjan, alias Sonu, Vicky Kumar, Abhishek, and the owner and staff of the printing press involved in the conspiracy.
The examination, held on 1 October 2023, saw its question paper leaked, with copies circulating on social media prior to the test. As a result, the examination had to be cancelled. The EOU, upon investigating the incident, uncovered significant irregularities. It was revealed that the registered office of the company responsible for printing and packaging the question papers operated from a single room. Moreover, the company outsourced the printing of the question papers illegally through another firm.
The investigation further disclosed that the vehicles transporting the question papers made several unscheduled stops en route to the treasury. It was also discovered that two clerks from the Patna warehouse logistics company, who were responsible for sending vehicles to Motihari to deliver the question papers, were themselves candidates in the constable recruitment exam. The vehicle transporting the question papers to Motihari halted at another location for approximately six hours.
During this time, members of Sanjeev Mukhiya’s gang, including his son Dr Shiv, allegedly opened the envelopes containing the question papers and leaked them. So far, 16 individuals have been arrested in connection with this case. While Sanjeev Mukhiya is considered the kingpin of the operation, he remains at large.
It is important to note that Sanjeev Mukhiya is also implicated in the recent NEET paper leak case in Bihar, where he is believed to be the mastermind. He has been named as the primary suspect in the year-old constable paper leak case, while his son, Dr Shiv, is already imprisoned in Beur Jail.
Upon completing their investigation, the Economic Offences Unit has submitted charge sheet number 18/2024 to the court under sections 420, 467, 468, and 120(B) of the IPC, as well as Section 66 of the IT Act 2000. The accused include gang leader Sanjeev Mukhiya’s son, Dr Shiv, alias Bittu, his associates Ashwini Ranjan, alias Sonu, Vicky Kumar, Abhishek, and the owner and staff of the printing press involved in the conspiracy.
It is worth noting that those involved in exam malpractice or question paper leaks are often organised criminals. Many of them have previously been charged in similar cases related to competitive exams. While the police have made significant progress in this case, the primary suspect, Sanjeev Mukhiya, remains at large. However, Bihar Police asserts that they will soon apprehend him as well.
