Major Breakthrough in Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test Paper Leak Investigation
Significant Developments in TET Paper Leak Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has achieved a significant milestone by arresting three additional key suspects. This brings the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with this case to seven. Among the newly arrested is the most wanted suspect, Kapil Dahiya, who was captured in Pathankot, Punjab. Additionally, two others were detained for allegedly aiding the main suspect in evading law enforcement.
Arrest of Kapil Dahiya
A senior official associated with the SIT informed a media outlet that Kapil Dahiya had been on the run, prompting the issuance of a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him. His arrest took place in Pathankot, Punjab. Furthermore, two other individuals were apprehended for their involvement in helping the main suspect evade capture.
Sonu Singh's Arrest
The police have also arrested Sonu Singh and Mithun Singh for allegedly assisting the main suspect, Bijendra Gupta, in remaining at large. According to police reports, Sonu Singh, who operates a photocopy shop in Hajipur, Bihar, is accused of creating fake identification documents and printing copies of the leaked papers at Gupta's request. Authorities recovered fake IDs belonging to Gupta from Sonu's shop during his arrest.
Mithun Singh's Involvement
Mithun Singh, who is related to Bijendra Gupta through marriage, was also arrested. He is accused of being part of the conspiracy and allegedly traveled to Pune with Kapil Dahiya to find potential buyers for the leaked TET papers. His arrest occurred in Patna.
Court Proceedings
Kapil Dahiya, Mithun Singh, and Sonu Singh were brought to Bhiwandi on Thursday, presented in court, and remanded to police custody until July 9. Four other suspects had already been arrested prior to this.
Previous Arrests
Earlier, police apprehended Bijendra Gupta's wife, Suman Kumari, in Patna. On June 27, three individuals—Dheeraj Singh, Akash Kumar, and Rajiv Kumar—were arrested in Kongaon for allegedly selling the leaked TET question papers. All four suspects are currently in police custody until July 6.
Gupta's Criminal Background
Authorities revealed that Bijendra Gupta, the mastermind behind the Maharashtra TET paper leak, has a history of involvement in similar cases across various states and has previously been arrested for murder. Despite multiple arrests, he often evaded capture after securing bail, resurfacing in different states under false identities. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is actively searching for him across several states.
Evidence Collected
During a briefing, DCP Pawan Bansode stated that police recovered TET exam papers, a printer, and other electronic devices from Kapil Dahiya. Additionally, copies of the TET exam papers in Hindi, Marathi, and English were found on Sonu Singh's computer. These documents have been forwarded to the Education Department for verification against the leaked papers. The police also seized three hard drives and several fake documents, including a PAN card, Aadhaar card, and driving license issued under the name 'Abhishek Mahto,' featuring Gupta's photograph.
How the Leak Was Exposed
The investigation began following a tip-off, leading DCP Pawan Bansode to initiate a covert operation. A police inspector posed as a potential buyer and contacted the suspects. Believing they had found a customer, the suspects reached out to Bijendra Gupta, who subsequently sent four sets of the leaked papers to Rajiv Kumar and Akash Kumar. The police set up a sting operation at a hotel in Kongaon, where they arrested Dheeraj Singh, Akash Kumar, and Rajiv Kumar while attempting to sell the papers.