The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially clarified its position regarding the suspected involvement of Sanjeev Kumar, widely known in the media and political circles as Sanjeev Mukhiya, in the highly publicized NEET-UG 2024 question paper theft case. Following an exhaustive and nationwide probe into the matter, federal investigators stated that they found absolutely no material evidence, digital footprints, or financial proof to suggest that Mukhiya played any active or passive role in stealing or circulating the crucial examination materials. The premier investigative agency took a firm stance against the rampant speculation circulating on social media platforms, which repeatedly alleged that the high-profile suspect was being intentionally shielded by powerful authorities. Calling these widespread public claims entirely factless and misleading, the investigating officials categorically denied any deliberate attempt to keep him out of the legal dragnet or protect him from prosecution.
Initial FIR and the Bihar Police Connection
To provide a clear context on how his name became inextricably associated with this specific controversy, the investigative agency explained the timeline of the initial police action. The first formal complaint, or First Information Report (FIR), regarding the compromised medical entrance examination was registered by the Bihar Police in the immediate aftermath of the scandal breaking out. At that preliminary stage, local law enforcement authorities decided to include Mukhiya's name in the FIR based on preliminary suspicions. According to the federal agency, this early inclusion was primarily driven by his historical track record rather than immediate, hard evidence. He had previously been named as a key accused in several other criminal cases related to examination paper leaks and similar illicit activities, making him a natural suspect for the local police.
Transfer of Investigation and Police Remand
As the gravity of the national examination breach became apparent, impacting millions of aspiring medical students, the entire investigation was formally handed over from the state authorities to the CBI for a deeper, centralized, and independent inquiry. During these initial phases of the federal probe, the suspect was actively evading arrest and remained absconding from the law. Eventually, the Bihar Police managed to track him down and apprehend him in connection with completely separate criminal offenses. Recognizing that his name was still formally listed in the original NEET-UG FIR, federal investigators promptly secured his custody on police remand. They subjected him to rigorous questioning and detailed interrogation sessions over several days in an attempt to uncover any potential links to the nationwide medical exam conspiracy.
Lack of Evidence and Judicial Custody Status
Despite the intensive interrogation, cross-referencing of statements, and thorough scrutiny of his recent activities, the federal investigating team was unable to unearth any concrete or actionable evidence that could establish his participation in the specific conspiracy to steal or distribute the NEET-UG 2024 question paper. Consequently, acting strictly on the merits of the gathered evidence, the investigating body made the decision not to file a formal charge sheet against him for this particular crime. While he has successfully secured legal bail pertaining specifically to this medical entrance exam controversy due to the lack of evidence, his legal troubles are far from over. The agency noted that he continues to languish in judicial custody, serving time behind bars due to the ongoing investigations and pending cases registered by the state police department in other matters.
Massive Crackdown and 45 Charge Sheets Filed
Addressing public concerns about the overall integrity of their ongoing operations, officials reiterated that the complete network responsible for the theft, distribution, and subsequent profiteering from the compromised question paper has been successfully and systematically dismantled. The agency stated that they have meticulously identified all key individuals who were part of the illicit supply chain, from the initial thieves to the final distributors, as well as the candidates who unfairly benefited from the leaked materials. Demonstrating the massive scale of their crackdown, prosecutors have already submitted multiple comprehensive charge sheets before a designated judicial magistrate in a Patna court, formally prosecuting as many as 45 different accused individuals for their confirmed roles in the widespread scam.
Recent Breakthrough in the 2026 Examination Probe
In a related development highlighting the depth of the ongoing scrutiny into medical entrance anomalies across different years, the agency recently disclosed a major breakthrough pertaining to the NEET 2026 examination probe. Officials revealed shocking details regarding incriminating materials seized from an individual running a private coaching institute. Upon forensically verifying the confiscated documents, investigators discovered that out of a set of 136 handwritten questions found in the coaching operator's possession, an astonishing 111 questions directly matched the official master question set that appeared in the final examination. This discovery points to a highly organized system of academic fraud that the agency is actively working to dismantle.
