Rajasthan Police Arrests Student for Selling Fake NEET Papers on Telegram

Rajasthan Police have arrested a 19-year-old student for allegedly selling fake NEET-UG question papers through a Telegram channel named 'Paper Mafia'. The arrest comes just days before the scheduled re-examination on June 21. The accused, Akash Choudhary, reportedly used a US-based VPN to conceal his identity while charging students Rs 4,000 per paper. Authorities are investigating the extent of the fraud and any potential accomplices. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about examination-related fraud on social media platforms like Telegram, which has faced increased scrutiny following previous paper leak controversies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2026, 12:00 IST

Police Action Against Examination Fraud

Representational Image

Jaipur, June 19: In a crackdown on examination fraud, Rajasthan Police apprehended a 19-year-old student from Bhilwara for allegedly distributing counterfeit NEET-UG question papers via a Telegram channel called 'Paper Mafia'. The suspect reportedly utilized a VPN based in the US to mask his identity while charging students Rs 4,000 for each paper.

This arrest occurred just three days ahead of the NEET re-examination set for June 21.

Authorities in Bhilwara confirmed the arrest of the student, identified as Akash Choudhary, who was taken into custody following a raid at his home in Patel Nagar, executed in the early hours of Friday based on intelligence from Delhi.

Investigators revealed that Choudhary was using a VPN and proxy network to hide his activities on the Telegram platform.

The channel reportedly had around 52 members, and payments were made through QR code transfers. Choudhary, who is preparing for competitive exams in Jaipur, allegedly fabricated and circulated fake question papers by scanning materials from NEET preparation books and misrepresenting them as authentic.

During the raid, police seized a mobile device, NEET study materials, and various documents. They are currently analyzing his financial transactions, digital activities, and potential connections to a broader fraudulent network.

According to Pratap Nagar SHO Sunil Tada, the Special Branch received alerts via the Government of India's S-Make portal regarding dubious social media activities related to paper leaks. Concurrently, the District Special Team (DST) obtained intelligence about a youth in Patel Nagar involved in selling counterfeit 'Re-NEET papers' online. After confirming the information, police executed a raid and arrested Choudhary. His family has roots in the Rawatsar region of Rajasthan's Churu district and has resided in Bhilwara for approximately 25 years.

After finishing his schooling in Bhilwara, Akash relocated to Jaipur for exam preparation and reportedly returned home just two days prior to his arrest.

Charges have been filed against him for cheating, selling fake examination papers, and violations of the IT Act and the Public Examination Act.

Investigators are now working to ascertain the number of candidates who may have been deceived, the total financial loss, and whether others were involved in this scheme.

Authorities noted that Telegram is being misused to propagate rumors and facilitate examination-related fraud.

The platform has faced increased scrutiny following the NEET paper leak incident. Officials stated that restrictions on Telegram's use concerning the NEET UG retest will remain effective until June 22, with certain features, including message editing, temporarily disabled. The original NEET-UG exam took place nationwide on May 3.

Concerns regarding paper leaks and candidates gaining prior access to question papers emerged from various states. Following an investigation, the National Testing Agency (NTA) annulled the examination on May 12 and mandated a re-examination after discussions with the Central government and investigative bodies.