The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday said it found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar, alias Sanjeev Mukhiya, to the theft or distribution of the leaked NEET-UG 2024 question paper. The agency said it did not file a chargesheet against him in the case as the investigation did not establish his involvement. The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case was initially registered by the Bihar Police after allegations surfaced regarding the theft and circulation of the examination question paper. During the early investigation, suspicion was raised against Sanjeev Kumar due to his alleged involvement in other paper leak cases.

According to the CBI, Bihar Police had named Sanjeev Mukhiya as an accused in the FIR based on preliminary suspicion. The case was later transferred to the central agency, which carried out a detailed investigation to identify those involved in the theft, distribution of the leaked paper and the candidates who allegedly benefited from it. A CBI spokesperson said the agency identified the individuals involved in the alleged leak network and filed multiple chargesheets against 45 accused persons before a Patna court. However, the investigation did not find evidence connecting Sanjeev Mukhiya with the NEET-UG 2024 paper theft or its subsequent distribution.

“In the course of its investigation, the CBI did not come across any evidence to establish the involvement of Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya in the theft or distribution of the stolen NEET-UG question paper in 2024,” the agency said in its statement. Since no direct evidence was found against him in the NEET-UG case, the CBI did not include his name in the chargesheet. As a result, Sanjeev Mukhiya was able to obtain bail in connection with the matter.

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The NEET-UG 2024 controversy had triggered nationwide protests and political debates after allegations of irregularities, including paper leaks, emerged. Students and opposition parties demanded accountability and stronger safeguards to prevent malpractice in major competitive examinations. The CBI investigation focused on tracing the alleged chain involved in obtaining, circulating and benefiting from the leaked question paper. The agency said its chargesheets were based on evidence collected during the probe and the identification of individuals allegedly connected to the crime.

The development comes amid continued discussions over examination security and transparency in India’s competitive testing system. The government has announced measures aimed at strengthening examination procedures, while student groups and opposition parties continue to demand stricter accountability for those responsible for irregularities. With the CBI ruling out Sanjeev Mukhiya’s involvement in the NEET-UG 2024 leak case, the focus now remains on the accused individuals against whom the agency has submitted chargesheets and the ongoing legal proceedings before the court.

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