Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 11: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a nationwide crackdown on alleged paper leak cases, registering Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) in several states to investigate the financial networks and proceeds of crime linked to examination irregularities.

According to top ED sources, ECIRs have been registered in Rajasthan, Haryana, Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Jharkhand in connection with various paper leak cases.

The agency has taken over the FIRs registered by state police and investigating agencies in these cases and will examine the alleged proceeds of crime, money trail and financial transactions connected with the examination irregularities.

The ED is also expected to enter the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, sources said. The agency will focus on tracing the alleged proceeds of crime, following the money trail and examining financial transactions linked to the paper leak allegations.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 for medical admissions following allegations of a paper leak. A re-examination was subsequently scheduled for June 21. The CBI had registered a case based on a written complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Union Education Ministry.

The Centre has issued strict directions in paper leak cases, making it clear that the ED will investigate the financial trail irrespective of the state in which an alleged leak occurred. According to sources, the government has made it clear that a “my state, your state” approach will not be allowed. As a result, the ED has begun registering ECIRs in paper leak cases across different states.

In Jharkhand, the ED registered an ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). The ECIR was registered around a week ago based on an FIR filed by the Jharkhand CID in Ranchi.

According to officials, the ED has initiated a probe into the alleged money trail linked to the examination irregularities. The agency will examine whether proceeds of crime were generated or routed through financial transactions connected with the alleged wrongdoing.

Investigators are expected to trace the source and movement of funds allegedly linked to examination-related activities. Financial records, bank transactions and other documents may also be examined to identify individuals or entities who may have benefited from the alleged irregularities.

The nationwide action marks an expansion of the Centre’s approach to paper leak cases, with financial investigations being pursued alongside criminal probes to identify the broader networks and monetary gains allegedly associated with examination-related wrongdoing.