Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jun 22: Bihar police have uncovered a large-scale impersonation racket linked to the NEET-UG 2026 examination after detecting instances of cheating and suspected tampering with biometric verification systems at several examination centres across the state.
During the operation, police arrested 30 individuals, including impostors who allegedly appeared for the examination in place of registered candidates, violating examination norms and security protocols.
Investigators have identified a student from Pawapuri Medical College in Rajgir as the alleged mastermind behind the operation. According to police, he coordinated a network of medical students from various institutions who were recruited to write the examination on behalf of aspiring candidates.
The syndicate is believed to have targeted medical aspirants by offering guaranteed assistance for admission, with deals reportedly ranging between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh per candidate.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the group managed to exploit biometric verification procedures at multiple examination centres. Police suspect that certain individuals associated with the biometric verification process may have collaborated with the accused, enabling impersonators to gain access to the examination halls.
Authorities are currently examining how the security mechanisms were compromised and the extent of involvement of personnel connected to the verification process.
Police said all nine alleged “solvers” arrested so far are medical students. Among the 30 individuals taken into custody are medical students acting as proxy candidates, biometric agency personnel, and other alleged members of the organised network. Several more suspects are being interrogated.
Lakhisarai Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Shivam Kumar said investigators have found evidence indicating that each candidate was charged between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. An advance payment of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh was allegedly collected upfront, while the remaining amount was to be paid after examination results and subsequent admissions.
To trace the financial trail, police are scrutinising bank accounts, mobile phone records, and digital payment transactions linked to the accused.
The case was registered following a complaint lodged by Dinesh Kumar Bhagat, Acting Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Lakhisarai, who was serving as the city coordinator for the examination.
Police officials said the investigation is being widened to identify every individual associated with the alleged racket. Authorities believe further questioning of the accused could reveal additional members of the network, details of financial transactions, and possible connections to similar operations at other examination centres.