Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Vijay Kumar Sinha, disclosed on Wednesday that Sikandar Yadvendu, who was apprehended in connection with the NEET question paper leak, has familial ties to Pritam Kumar, the personal secretary of former Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police, handling the investigation, has identified Sikandar Yadvendu, employed as a junior engineer in the municipal committee of Danapur, as the central figure in the NEET question paper leak.
"Sikandar Yadvendu is closely related to Pritam Kumar, PS to Tejashwi Yadav. On May 4, an NHAI guest house was reserved for Sikandar's sister Reena Yadav and son Anurag Yadav. A contact number and reference to 'Mantri Ji' were noted in the guest house diary. Efforts are underway to ascertain the identity of 'Mantri Ji'," stated Sinha.
Sinha, who also oversees the road construction portfolio, announced an inquiry into the booking of the NHAI guest house.
"I have initiated a comprehensive investigation within my department to uncover which officials or staff may be operating under the influence of Tejashwi Yadav. The entire RJD system appears rooted in criminality and corruption," Sinha remarked.
The EOU has gathered evidence confirming the leakage of NEET 2024 question papers, which occurred a day prior to the May 5 examination date.
The mastermind behind the operation, Sikandar Yadvendu, has been detained. EOU alleges that Sikandar distributed advance copies of the question paper to his nephew and several other candidates, enabling them to memorize answers.
On May 5, Reena Yadav was apprehended from the NHAI guest house, where an OMR sheet was discovered. Anurag's name was registered in the guest house logbook alongside a reference to 'Mantri Ji'.
Sikandar, a resident of Samastipur, formerly worked as a contractor in Ranchi before assuming the role of junior engineer in 2012. He previously faced accusations in a Rs 3 crore LED scam and served a prison sentence.
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