CBI Exonerates Sanjeev Mukhiya in NEET-UG 2024 Paper Theft Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially stated that it found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar, also known as Sanjeev Mukhiya, to the theft of NEET-UG 2024 question papers. The agency clarified on Thursday, July 23, 2026, that while Mukhiya had been named in the original FIR filed by the Bihar police, subsequent investigations revealed no involvement in the case.

Initial Suspicion and Investigation

Mukhiya was initially suspected due to his alleged involvement in other examination paper theft cases. His name was included in the FIR registered by the Bihar police in 2024 after the paper theft was detected. The case was later handed over to the CBI for further investigation.

During its probe, the CBI identified all individuals involved in the theft and distribution of the stolen NEET-UG 2024 question paper, as well as candidates who benefited from it. The agency filed multiple chargesheets against 45 individuals in the jurisdictional court in Patna. However, Mukhiya, who had been absconding during the relevant period, was not found to have any role in the NEET-UG case.

Arrest and Bail

Mukhiya was eventually arrested by the Bihar police for other cases involving examination paper leaks. Since he was named in the NEET-UG FIR, the CBI took him into custody for questioning. However, no evidence emerged to substantiate his involvement, and the agency did not file a chargesheet against him. He was granted bail in the NEET-UG case but remained in judicial custody for other cases under investigation by the Bihar police.

CBI’s Clarification

The CBI emphasized that the matter had been clarified as early as 2024, refuting recent claims that Mukhiya’s omission from chargesheets was deliberate. “The narrative going around now about his deliberate omission is factually incorrect,” the agency stated.

This development underscores the importance of thorough investigation processes and highlights the need for accurate information dissemination to avoid misleading narratives.

Source: The Hindu