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Delhi Police Forms SIT to Probe NEET Paper Leak and Exam Offences

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolityGovernanceSecurityLaw and Order

Why in news

The Delhi Police announced the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) under the Crime Branch to investigate the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination-related offences. This move comes amid ongoing protests by students at Jantar Mantar demanding action against paper leaks and the resignation of the Union education minister.

Background

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was enacted to prevent unfair practices in public examinations. The NEET paper leak allegations have sparked widespread protests, prompting the police to set up a dedicated task force.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Delhi Police formed a Special Task Force (STF) under the Crime Branch on July 25, 2026.

  2. The STF will investigate offences related to the alleged NEET paper leak and other exam-related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

  3. The STF will cover examinations conducted by UPSC, NTA, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, central government ministries/departments, and other notified authorities.

  4. The STF will coordinate with prosecuting agencies for expeditious prosecution and day-to-day trials.

  5. The STF is headed by the Crime Branch DCP, with overall supervision by the Special Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch).

  6. The formation follows approval from Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar amid ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar.

  7. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Prelims pointers

  • Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
  • NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
  • Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • National Testing Agency (NTA)
  • Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
  • Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs)
  • Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
  • Crime Branch, Delhi Police
  • Special Task Force (STF)
  • Jantar Mantar

Mains angles

  • Discuss the effectiveness of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 in curbing paper leaks.
  • Examine the role of specialized task forces in investigating organized exam fraud and ensuring accountability.
  • Analyze the socio-economic impact of examination malpractices on students and the education system.
  • Evaluate the coordination between investigative agencies and prosecuting authorities in handling exam-related offences.
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