NEET-UG leak controversy: NTA sacks 47 officials; Delhi Police sets up STF

New Delhi: Amid ongoing student protests over the NEET-UG leak controversy, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday terminated around 47 officials, with "more cleanup to follow", even as Delhi Police announced the formation of an STF to investigate paper leaks.

Legal and criminal action will also be initiated against some of these officials, and more reform measures will follow, sources in the know said, adding that this is part of a "complete overhaul" of the NTA. The NTA has been in the eye of the storm over the leak of the May 3 NEET-UG question paper and the subsequent cancellation of the exam, followed by a re-examination on June 26, an exercise involving over 22 lakh students.

The CBI's investigation has so far pointed to the involvement of NTA-empanelled translators from Maharashtra in the paper leak.


Later in the evening, Delhi Police announced the setting up of a Special Task Force (STF) under the Crime Branch to investigate paper leaks and examination-related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The STF will probe cases related to examinations conducted by agencies, including the UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS, NTA and other notified authorities. It will also coordinate with prosecuting agencies to ensure speedy trials.

The STF will further probe examinations conducted by ministries and departments of the central government, as well as their attached and subordinate offices, for staff recruitment. It will also cover exams conducted by any other authority notified by the central government from time to time, according to Delhi Police. In addition to investigations, the STF will ensure effective coordination with prosecuting agencies to facilitate expeditious prosecution and ensure that trials in such cases are conducted on a day-to-day basis.

The STF will be headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Delhi Police. The Special Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, will exercise overall supervision and administrative control over functioning of the STF and issue necessary directions to ensure effective investigation and diligent prosecution of cases, according to Delhi Police.