New Delhi police zero in on medical students, supervisors over cheating scandal

Dozens of medical students and their supervisors in New Delhi, India are now facing the long arm of the law over an entrance exam cheating scandal which took place late last year.

Seven months ago, police collected “evidence” against some 20 to 30 students accused of receiving help from supervisors to cheat for the December 2016 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Now, the investigating police officer has been given the green light to take legal action.

According to the Indian Express, the alleged cheating reportedly took place at two exam centres in Chandigarh and Greater Noida. The NEET exam is held to admit medical students to postgraduate courses.

Police said they have summoned the students involved for questioning. Without going into details, Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Deo said the case was still being investigated and the “beneficiaries” faced action.

In April, police discovered several computer servers that were allegedly hacked to help the candidates cheat in the exam. The discovery led to the arrests of three individuals.

Indian Express quoted police sources as saying all students who benefited from the hack have been identified. The authorities have also collected evidence against those involved.

The police discovered photos of questions sent by the students seeking help from outside. Source: Shutterstock

“After arresting the supervisors and their subordinates, the investigating officer, posted with the central range unit of the Delhi Police Crime Branch, sent a request to his seniors in the Delhi Police Headquarters, seeking permission to take legal action against these applicants,” sources said.

The police discovered photos of questions sent by the students seeking help from outside. The solved papers were subsequently sent back to the centre.

“Police have collected CCTV footage from both examination centres, and have found that some students were using their cell phones in the last 45 minutes of the exam – minutes after they received solved answers,” police sources claimed, adding that some of these students got admission to prominent medical colleges across the country.

“Students have been asked to join the probe and they will be confronted with all technical evidence, besides disclosures by the arrested persons,” police sources said.

The police added the person in charge of the Chandigarh examination centre hacked the examination server and shared a software with his associates. The CCTVs at the centres were switched off during the hacking, police said.

Liked this? then you’ll love these…

Indian uni suspends professor for insulting goddess Durga

In sexist India, girls set to rule schools