Maharashtra TET paper leak: alleged mastermind arrested in Bihar
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Mumbai, July25: Nearly a month after the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak disrupted the examination process for around six lakh aspirants, the Thane City Police have arrested the alleged mastermind, Bijendra Gupta, from Bihar. Gupta had reportedly been living under a false identity in Bihar while evading arrest since the case came to light.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Dr Pawan Bansod said Gupta was arrested on Saturday morning and is being brought to Thane. Police will produce him before a court to seek custody for further investigation.
The arrest comes as student organisations continue protesting against the cancellation of the examination and delay in announcing a fresh exam date. Protesters have also demanded the resignation of Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse over the leak.
The case was uncovered two days before the scheduled examination after a Bhiwandi resident informed police that three men were trying to sell the confidential TET question paper. Acting on the tip-off, Thane Police conducted a raid and recovered the leaked papers. Rajiv Kumar and Aakash Kumar were arrested from Bihar, while Dheeraj Singh was arrested from Haryana. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was later formed to investigate the wider conspiracy.
Officials said a few suspects who allegedly planned to purchase the leaked papers are still absconding, while those already arrested remain in judicial custody. The chargesheet is expected to be filed soon.