Hazaribagh (Jharkhand): The NEET examination held in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of negligence and a potential question paper leak. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security measures in place for safeguarding examination materials. Dr Ehsan Ul Haq, the NTA city coordinator and Principal of Oasis School, provided a detailed account of the security protocol and the sequence of events leading up to the exam.
Delivery and Storage of Question Papers
Dr Haq said, "The NEET question paper arrived securely wrapped in seven layers. The topmost layer was sealed with cotton and tape. The entire process was overseen by two bank custodians, five centre superintendents and five NTA observers to ensure strict security and proper handling of the examination materials. These boxes were intended for various examination centres. By 7.30 am, the boxes were handed over to five centres superintendents and five observers. Each box was secured with both digital and manual locks to ensure maximum security. The officials then transported the boxes to their respective examination centres, where they were placed in strongrooms under the vigilant watch of superintendents, deputy superintendents, observers and invigilators.
Unpacking Process
Dr Haq said, "The unpacking process commenced at 1:15 pm on the day of the exam. This process was marked by a series of protective layers designed to prevent unauthorised access. Initially, the cardboard box was torn open using a sharp object, revealing an aluminium box secured with both digital and manual locks. However, in Hazaribagh, the digital locks malfunctioned and had to be cut open manually. Inside the aluminium box was another cardboard box, which contained a seven-layered plastic envelope. This final layer enclosed the question papers. The entire unpacking process was conducted in the presence of officials and two randomly selected students to ensure transparency and security."
Security Measures and Protocol
The security protocol for NEET exam papers involves storing them in an iron box secured by two locks—a digital lock and a mechanical lock, he explained. The digital lock is programmed to automatically open two hours before the exam across the country. However, on the exam day, this digital lock failed to open as scheduled, necessitating the use of a file to manually cut the mechanical lock, he explained. Dr Haq pointed out that this failure could have provided an opportunity for tampering with the exam papers, raising concerns about the reliability of the digital lock system.
Incident of Tampering and Investigation
"The controversy surrounding the handling and transport of exam papers centres on the discovery of tampering. The question papers were initially delivered by Blue Dart Courier Service to the SBI Bank in Hazaribagh on May 3, 2024. However, it was reported that the papers had been tampered with before being distributed on the exam day, May 5, 2024. The tampering was discovered when the plastic packet containing the papers was found to be carefully cut open at the back, raising suspicions of unauthorised access," he said.
Investigations by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) revealed significant lapses in the security protocol during the transport and storage of the exam papers. The question papers, typically secured within seven layers and kept in an iron box, were handled with inadequate security measures. For instance, the papers were transported from Ranchi to Hazaribagh via a Toto e-rickshaw instead of a more secure vehicle and were seen unattended at the gate of the courier service centre in videos obtained by the investigators. Additionally, there were discrepancies in the security measures at the bank where the papers were stored, further compounding the concerns.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Dr Haq has refuted claims implicating his school in the leak, asserting that all procedures were adhered to strictly on their part. He emphasised the rigorous measures taken to secure the NEET examination materials and prevent any potential breaches. Despite these assurances, the transport company responsible for delivering the exam papers is now under suspicion, with investigations going on to determine the exact point and method of the breach.
Read more: CBI Team Visits Patna, May Take Those Arrested In NEET Case To Delhi For Questioning
