The initial investigation by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) into the alleged irregularities and paper leak of the NEET UG-2026 examination has brought several startling facts to light. Preliminary findings suggest that the network involved in this malpractice isn't confined to the borders of Rajasthan but extends its reach to other states, including Kerala and Uttarakhand. While the complete truth is expected to emerge only after the conclusion of the full investigation, the SOG is currently piecing together the evidence. ADG Vishal Bansal of the SOG stated during a press conference that a 'guess paper' had gone viral on various social media platforms and WhatsApp groups just before the commencement of the examination, triggering a massive probe into the matter.
The Kerala Connection and the Viral 'Guess Paper'
The 'guess paper' that has become the center of the national controversy is reportedly linked directly to the state of Kerala. SOG investigations have revealed that an MBBS student studying in Kerala sent this paper to his father in Sikar, Rajasthan. The student's father operates a PG hostel in Sikar. Through him, the paper reached other students and career counselors, eventually spreading among a large number of candidates. On the day of the examination, some students had filed a complaint at the Udyog Nagar police station in Sikar, but the complaint regarding the paper leak wasn't taken seriously at that time. It was only after the students emailed the National Testing Agency (NTA) with concrete evidence that the investigative agencies became active. Initially, the local coordinator of the NTA had denied any irregularities or receiving any complaints.
Hostel Operator's Statement and Verification by Coaching Teacher
The role of the hostel operator is under intense scrutiny, although he claims he was unaware of the gravity of the situation. The information provided by the operator during questioning is quite surprising. According to him, he didn't examine the paper thoroughly during the night and distributed it to the female students in his hostel on the morning of the exam. It was only after the exam concluded that he grew suspicious and approached a teacher at a prominent coaching institute. When the 'guess paper' was shown to the teacher, it was discovered that many questions were identical to those in the actual NEET paper. This revelation prompted the SOG to expand its investigation and begin collecting digital evidence from various sources.
Raids in Dehradun and Search for Key Suspects
According to the SOG, this 'guess paper' had reached several candidates and groups well before the examination. To dismantle this network, SOG teams are meticulously examining social media chats, WhatsApp groups, and related digital data. During the investigation, a photocopy shop was identified where the paper was found, and several documents and technical evidence were seized from the premises. Manish from Jaipur and Rakesh from Sikar are being considered the primary characters in this case. SOG teams have conducted raids and field inquiries at various locations, including the coaching hub of Sikar in Rajasthan and Dehradun in Uttarakhand, to connect the dots. However, it remains unclear exactly where the paper leak originated.
Suspicion on Printing Press and Internal Involvement
Investigative agencies now strongly suspect that employees associated with the printing press or other insiders might have played a significant role in preparing the 'guess paper' and delivering it to students in a planned manner. The investigation is now proceeding with a focus on this angle. Agencies are working to identify who actually prepared the guess paper and who were the first individuals to receive it, while sOG teams are questioning all suspects who might have been involved in the printing or distribution process of the examination papers. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the mastermind behind this multi-state operation.