Mumbai: The alleged mastermind behind the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has been arrested in Bihar after evading authorities for several months, marking a major breakthrough in the high profile examination fraud case.
Maharashtra Police arrested Bijendra Gupta following an extensive interstate search operation. Officials said Gupta had repeatedly escaped arrest despite multiple raids conducted at different locations in Bihar. During the operation, police also detained another suspect believed to be connected to the case.
Investigators believe Gupta played a central role in orchestrating the Maharashtra TET paper leak and is suspected of having links to several examination paper leak cases across the country. His alleged involvement in multiple cheating syndicates had made him one of the most wanted accused in the investigation.
The case has already led to the arrest of several individuals, including Gupta’s wife. However, Gupta had remained absconding, prompting police to intensify their search across state borders until his capture.
Officials said the accused will now be brought to Maharashtra on transit remand for detailed questioning. Investigators are expected to examine his alleged connections with organised paper leak networks operating in different parts of the country and determine whether he was involved in similar examination frauds beyond the TET case.
The arrest comes at a time when the Centre is moving to tighten laws against examination fraud. The Union Cabinet has approved a draft Bill proposing significantly stricter punishments for organised paper leaks in competitive examinations.
Under the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, those found guilty of organised paper leak offences could face imprisonment of up to 10 years along with a maximum fine of ₹10 crore. The proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening deterrence against organised cheating rackets and protecting the integrity of competitive examinations across the country.
Police say the alleged mastermind will be brought to Maharashtra for interrogation as investigators probe links to a wider examination leak network
Mumbai: The alleged mastermind behind the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has been arrested in Bihar after evading authorities for several months, marking a major breakthrough in the high profile examination fraud case.
Maharashtra Police arrested Bijendra Gupta following an extensive interstate search operation. Officials said Gupta had repeatedly escaped arrest despite multiple raids conducted at different locations in Bihar. During the operation, police also detained another suspect believed to be connected to the case.
Investigators believe Gupta played a central role in orchestrating the Maharashtra TET paper leak and is suspected of having links to several examination paper leak cases across the country. His alleged involvement in multiple cheating syndicates had made him one of the most wanted accused in the investigation.
The case has already led to the arrest of several individuals, including Gupta’s wife. However, Gupta had remained absconding, prompting police to intensify their search across state borders until his capture.
Officials said the accused will now be brought to Maharashtra on transit remand for detailed questioning. Investigators are expected to examine his alleged connections with organised paper leak networks operating in different parts of the country and determine whether he was involved in similar examination frauds beyond the TET case.
The arrest comes at a time when the Centre is moving to tighten laws against examination fraud. The Union Cabinet has approved a draft Bill proposing significantly stricter punishments for organised paper leaks in competitive examinations.
Under the proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, those found guilty of organised paper leak offences could face imprisonment of up to 10 years along with a maximum fine of ₹10 crore. The proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening deterrence against organised cheating rackets and protecting the integrity of competitive examinations across the country.
