A day after arresting a doctor in connection with the 2024 Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) TRE-3 teacher recruitment paper leak case, the Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) claimed the accused and his associates extorted around Rs 1.2 crore from candidates by providing them with leaked question papers before the examination.

Investigators alleged that around 30 candidates paid large sums to gain advance access to the question paper as part of the organised racket.

Doctor Allegedly Ran Paper Leak Network

The accused, identified as Dr Manish Kumar, was arrested as part of the EOU’s ongoing investigation into the paper leak case.

According to investigators, Dr Manish had developed a method to open sealed question paper boxes and reseal them without leaving visible signs of tampering.

EOU officials alleged that he collected Rs 50,000 per candidate as commission and, along with his associates, earned nearly Rs 1.2 crore through the operation.

Investigators said Dr Manish had previously worked as a government doctor but resigned while preparing for the NEET-PG examination in Patna.

Candidates Allegedly Given Leaked Papers Before Exam

The EOU claimed Dr Manish operated the racket with associates identified as Dr Shiv and Dr Shubham.

According to the investigation, nearly 30 candidates were accommodated at a hotel in Patna before the TRE-3 examination on March 15, 2024, where they were allegedly provided with the leaked question paper in advance.

Officials said a raid was carried out at the Kohinoor Hotel in Bhabua on March 14, 2024, but Dr Manish managed to escape before the authorities arrived.

During the investigation, the EOU identified the accused through CCTV footage, technical evidence and examination of student records from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH).

Investigators also alleged that Dr Manish is the son of alleged paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya, while Dr Shiv is believed to be one of Mukhiya’s close associates.

So far, the EOU has arrested 296 people in connection with the BPSC TRE-3 paper leak investigation.

Bihar Sets Up Fast-Track Courts

In a parallel move to speed up the trial of examination fraud cases, the Bihar government has established three special fast-track courts dedicated to hearing cases related to paper leaks, organised cheating and examination malpractice.

The courts have been set up in Patna, Lakhisarai and Purnia following directions from the Patna High Court and will function under the provisions of the Public Examinations Act, 2024.

The state government aims to ensure that such cases are decided within three months through priority hearings, dedicated rosters and expedited recording of evidence and witness statements.

Additional District Judge Gaurav Singh will preside over the Patna court, Seema Bhartiya will head the Lakhisarai court, while Aman Kumar Thakur has been appointed to lead the Purnia court.

The Patna fast-track court is expected to hear several high-profile examination fraud cases, including the TRE-3 paper leak, the constable recruitment examination leak, the 67th BPSC preliminary examination case and the AEDO paper leak. The Lakhisarai court will hear the re-NEET examination rigging case, while the Purnia court will deal with alleged irregularities in the SSC MTS examination.

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