Patna, July 28: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Maharashtra Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case has taken key accused Bijendra Gupta to Bihar to verify crucial facts and recover evidence allegedly linked to the paper leak conspiracy, as investigators intensify efforts to unravel the interstate racket.
Gupta, who was arrested in Bihar last week after remaining on the run for more than three weeks, had allegedly been constantly changing locations across Delhi, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in an attempt to evade arrest.
According to police, the SIT mounted an extensive search operation involving 75 police personnel deployed across four states, using advanced surveillance techniques to track down the accused.
Investigators said Gupta adopted elaborate measures to avoid detection by steering clear of mobile phones and SIM cards linked to his identity.
“Gupta deliberately avoided using mobile numbers linked to him or even SIM cards registered in the names of others,” a police officer associated with the investigation said.
“Instead of calling his family directly, he allegedly passed messages through neighbours and acquaintances to ensure his whereabouts remained concealed,” the officer added.
Police said Gupta has been remanded in police custody till July 30. While he was initially reluctant to cooperate with investigators, officials said he has now started sharing information during interrogation.
“Gupta was initially reluctant to cooperate during questioning but has now started cooperating and disclosing information,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, the SIT has also arrested Gupta’s alleged close aide, Sonu Kumar Diwakar (34), from Agra. According to police, Diwakar procured the leaked TET question paper from two employees of Mahim Patran Pvt. Ltd., an Agra-based printing press, and allegedly handed it over to Gupta.
Diwakar was produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody till August 2.
Investigators said the probe has already traced the source of the leak to Mahim Patran Pvt. Ltd., where two employees and a former employee allegedly smuggled confidential TET question papers out of the printing press by concealing them beneath the insoles of their shoes.
The three accused arrested earlier in connection with the leak are Nareshkumar Puranchand Mohore, Babulal Narayansingh Kushwaha, and former employee Sanjay Kumar Sureshchandra Chandra.
Police said the investigation is continuing to trace another accused from Pune, who allegedly agreed to purchase the leaked TET question paper and remains absconding.
“The investigation will continue to trace one more accused from Pune, who allegedly agreed to purchase the leaked TET question paper and is still absconding,” police said.
Officials said the ongoing investigation is focused on recovering additional evidence, establishing the flow of the leaked papers and identifying all individuals involved in the interstate examination paper leak network.
