MUMBAI: The alleged mastermind behind the Maharashtra Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, Bijendra Gupta, who was arrested in Bihar, has been brought to Maharashtra for further investigation and evidence recovery. Police have taken Gupta to Bihar as part of the probe, seeking to uncover crucial details and recover evidence linked to the conspiracy.
Gupta was apprehended after a prolonged search that spanned multiple states. He had been on the run for over three weeks, reportedly shifting locations between Delhi, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh to evade capture. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) utilized extensive resources, including the deployment of 75 police personnel across four states, to track him down.
The investigation into the TET paper leak has led to the arrest of 15 individuals so far. Among those apprehended are Gupta’s close aide, Sonu Kumar Diwakar, who allegedly procured the leaked question paper from employees of an Agra-based printing press. Diwakar was arrested after surrendering to authorities and has been remanded in police custody.
The paper leak was traced to Mahim Patran Pvt. Ltd. in Agra, where it is alleged that employees smuggled the confidential question paper out by concealing it beneath their shoe insoles. Two employees and a former employee of the press have been arrested in connection with this aspect of the leak.
Gupta has been remanded to police custody until July 30. Initially reluctant to cooperate, he has reportedly begun to disclose information related to the conspiracy. The SIT is also working to trace another absconding accused from Pune, who allegedly agreed to purchase the leaked question paper.
The TET 2026 examination was scheduled for June 28 but was postponed after the paper leak was uncovered just days before the exam. The Bhiwandi police, acting on an intelligence tip-off, had raided a location and seized copies of the leaked question papers. Subsequent verification with the Maharashtra State Council of Examination confirmed that the seized papers matched the actual examination material.
Further investigations have revealed that Gupta is suspected of masterminding leaks in at least 20 competitive and professional exams across several states. He has reportedly been released on bail in previous cases, allowing him to continue his alleged illegal activities.
The probe has also highlighted significant security lapses at the Agra-based printing press. Investigators found that the facility lacked adequate CCTV surveillance and had insufficient employee entry and exit checks, which allegedly facilitated the smuggling of confidential documents.
The case has seen the arrest of Gupta’s wife, Suman Kumari, as well, following the discovery of call records and financial trails linking her to the alleged mastermind. The SIT is continuing its efforts to unravel the full extent of the network involved in the paper leak and identify all beneficiaries and conspirators.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
