Bijendra Kumar Gupta’s wife and several other suspects were arrested earlier as investigators widened their inquiry into the network’s possible financial and interstate connections.
Bhiwandi Police arrested Bijendra Kumar Gupta, the alleged mastermind in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case, following searches in Bihar. | Photo source: Maharashtra Police/IANS
The search for the principal accused in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test paper leak case has ended in Bihar, with Bhiwandi Police arresting Bijendra Kumar Gupta after repeated raids.
Investigators describe Gupta as the alleged mastermind of the operation. They are now examining whether he was connected to examination paper leak syndicates operating in other parts of the country.
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Maharashtra Police teams had searched several locations in Bihar after Gupta allegedly evaded earlier attempts to arrest him.
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Another accused believed to be associated with the case was apprehended during the operation. Officials did not disclose the second person’s identity or alleged role.
Police are expected to produce Gupta before a court and seek permission to take him to Maharashtra for further questioning.
Several people had already been arrested in connection with the alleged TET paper leak, including Gupta’s wife.
Investigators subsequently widened their search across state borders after Gupta remained out of reach.
Police suspect he played a central role in arranging or distributing leaked examination material. His precise role and the allegations against him remain under investigation.
Investigators are examining Gupta’s alleged association with other paper leak cases reported across India.
The inquiry will seek to identify possible intermediaries, financial transactions and other people involved in obtaining or circulating examination papers.
Police are also expected to question Gupta about the structure and reach of the suspected network.
The arrest comes as the Union Cabinet has approved proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
The draft legislation proposes imprisonment of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of Rs 10 crore in organised paper leak cases.
The existing law provides imprisonment of three to five years for individuals. Organised examination fraud can attract five to 10 years in prison and a minimum fine of Rs 1 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced plans for stricter penalties and fast-track courts to deal with examination paper leak cases.
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