A ‘solver gang’ that leaks exam papers and also provides proxy candidates who would sit for an exam has come into the limelight amid a row over the medical entrance test NEET. Police believe that Ravi Atri, the head of a nationwide ‘solver gang’, is the alleged mastermind behind the leak that has cast a shadow over India’s prestigious medical entrance examination.
The controversy erupted after an unusually high number of students scored a perfect 720 in the NEET-UG exam. Initially attributed to grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical issues, subsequent investigations by Bihar Police uncovered a different aspect: the exam paper had been leaked to select candidates a day before the exam.
The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam has highlighted major flaws in India’s examination system. The involvement of a ‘solver gang’ in leaking exam papers and providing proxy candidates has sparked nationwide concern.
The NEET-UG exam, a crucial medical entrance test in India, was held in May but had to be cancelled in Bihar after an investigation revealed the paper had been leaked.
An unusually high number of perfect scores (720) initially raised suspicions, which were later confirmed by the Bihar Police. The police identified Ravi Atri, the head of a nationwide ‘solver gang’, as the mastermind behind the leak.
Atri’s gang specialised in obtaining exam papers ahead of time and distributing them via social media to candidates willing to pay for guaranteed success, reported NDTV. Additionally, the gang offered a ‘Munna Bhai’ service, where proxies would sit for exams on behalf of paying candidates, ensuring high scores.
NEET-UG exam controversy
The NEET-UG exam which was held in May this year came under a cloud when an unusually high number of students scored a perfect 720 marks. This was at first attributed to ‘grace marks’ given due to delay in distributing question papers and other logistical issues.
Paper leaks
Bihar Police investigations have now revealed that it is more than a matter of grace marks that has gone wrong in the NEET-UG exam this year. The exam paper had been leaked to select candidates a day before the exam by Atri’s syndicate known as the ‘solver gang’.
The solver gang would obtain and distribute solved question papers via social media platforms for a big fee.
Some reports said that Atri is in police records for his involvement in previous exam paper leaks. But, he seemed to be still operating in various states, leveraging his connections within the ‘exam mafia’.
Atri would obtain the exam papers well in advance, typically a day before the examination, and pass them onto students through social media.
Solver gang and Munna Bhai’
Amid the row, speculations are rife that a Mumbai-based gang is involved in the NEET question paper leak. Though unconfirmed, reports claimed Ravi Atri, the head of a nationwide ‘solver gang’, is the mastermind behind the leak.
The solver gang reportedly specialises in obtaining solved question papers which they distribute to candidates in exchange for a hefty price. The gang also offered students the option of paying more and getting a ‘Munna Bhai’, a proxy who would give the exam in their place. The candidates were assured that the ‘Munna Bhai’ would score high.
Atri is said to have been involved in several question paper leaks in the past. He was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF) from Meerut in April this year. He had earlier been jailed for leaking the Pre-Medical Test exam paper in 2012 and the AIIMS PG exam paper in 2015.
The EOU has reportedly found links between Atri’s gang and the paper leak mafia led by Sanjeev Mukhiya. Both Atri and Sanjeev Mukhiya operate separately. The EUO believes Mukhiya is the kingpin in the NEET question paper leak case and is currently on the run. He reportedly assembled 25 candidates at a boys’ hostel in Bihar’s Patna on May 4.
The investigation into the alleged irregularities in NEET-UG has been handed over to CBI for comprehensive investigation.
