Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged that those involved in the NEET paper leak case had direct links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, while criticising the government for involving the Army in the examination process.
Addressing a press conference, Raut claimed that agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau, police, CID, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had failed to detect the alleged paper leak racket despite its operation over several years.
"They have intelligence agencies, the police, CID, ED and CBI at their disposal. Yet, for years, this paper leak racket allegedly operated right under their noses, bringing disrepute to Maharashtra," Raut said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further alleged that several individuals linked to the scam had connections with the BJP and the RSS. He also claimed that NEET chief Pradeep Joshi was associated with the RSS and enjoyed the support of the BJP, which, according to him, was the reason for his appointment to the post.
"Pradeep Joshi is close to the RSS and BJP. That is why he holds this position. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra should take responsibility for the situation," Raut alleged.
Criticising the government's decision to involve the Army in conducting examinations, Raut argued that managing examinations was not part of the military's mandate.
"The Army's responsibility is to guard the nation's borders, carry out military operations and combat terrorism. During floods and national emergencies, the Army assists citizens. But is conducting examinations and managing exam
centres really the Army's job?" he asked.
Calling the situation a "failure of governance", Raut said the focus should be on investigating how the alleged paper leak network operated, how examination centres were selected, and who was responsible for allowing the malpractice to continue.
"Instead of bringing in the Army, there should be a thorough investigation into how such a massive paper leak occurred, how examination centres were approved and how these networks functioned," he said.
Raut also took a swipe at reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken note of the issue.
"What does that mean? Will the Prime Minister now sit inside examination centres? The government should focus on fixing the system and identifying those responsible," he said.
Referring to the recent death of a student from the Marathwada region, Raut alleged that the Prime Minister, the Union Education Minister and the Maharashtra Chief Minister were responsible for creating circumstances that had left students under immense pressure.
He further demanded that the Maharashtra Chief Minister take responsibility, claiming that the state had emerged as a major centre in the paper leak case.
The CBI is currently investigating the matter and has so far arrested 13 accused in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak case.
