Who is Sanjeev Mukhiya, Mastermind of NEET Leak, Bihar's Infamous 'Solver Gang' Leader

The recent NEET paper leak scandal has sent shockwaves across India, with students and authorities grappling with the fallout. At the center of this controversy is Sanjeev Mukhiya, also known as Sanjeev Singh, a man who has allegedly masterminded the leak that has disrupted the lives of many aspiring medical students.

Sanjeev Mukhiya hails from the Nalanda district in Bihar and has a long history of involvement in exam fraud. Formerly a technical assistant at Nalanda College's Noorsarai branch, Mukhiya has been linked to several high-profile exam leaks, including the 2016 Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) constable recruitment exam. His operations allegedly extend across multiple states, affecting various recruitment exams from constable positions to teacher posts.

 The 'Solver Gang'

Mukhiya is purportedly a key player in a network known as the 'Solver Gang,' alongside Ravi Atri. This gang is infamous for providing leaked question papers and arranging proxies to sit for exams. Their reach and influence highlight the significant scale of their operations, impacting numerous exams and shaking the integrity of the recruitment processes.

Family Ties and Political Connections

Mukhiya's connections are not limited to his criminal activities. His wife, Mamta Devi, is the chief of Bhuthakhar panchayat, a position she secured with the backing of the Lok Janshakti Party. His son, Shiv Kumar, is also under legal scrutiny for his alleged involvement in another exam paper leak related to Bihar's teacher recruitment exams. These connections have added a layer of complexity to the investigation, with local opinions on Mukhiya being divided.

The NEET Paper Leak

The NEET-UG 2024 exam leak brought Mukhiya into the national spotlight. An unusually high number of students scoring perfect marks raised suspicions, initially thought to be due to grace marks for a faulty question. However, a deeper investigation by Bihar Police revealed that the exam papers had been leaked in advance to select candidates. Authorities believe that Mukhiya orchestrated the leak, distributing the question papers and answer sheets a day before the exam, likely receiving the materials from a complicit professor.

 Fleeing the Scene

As the investigation intensified, reports emerged that Mukhiya had fled to Nepal, complicating efforts to bring him to justice. The bilateral agreements between India and Nepal pose additional challenges for his extradition. Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing leads and widening their crackdown on Mukhiya's network, but his escape has added a layer of difficulty to an already complex situation.

 The Road Ahead

The NEET paper leak scandal has underscored the vulnerabilities within India's examination systems and the lengths to which individuals like Mukhiya will go to exploit them. As authorities continue their search, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent security measures and vigilant oversight to protect the integrity of educational and recruitment examinations.