Latur police launch probe into NEET-UG paper leak link with coaching institute

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Latur police have launched an inquiry into allegations that a local coaching institute might be linked to the NEET-UG paper leak, following a complaint by a parent, who claimed that more than 93% of the chemistry questions in a mock test distributed by the institute closely matched those in the actual test.Latur superintendent of police Amol Tambe told TOI that, according to the complaint submitted at his office on Tuesday, the coaching institute had circulated a mock test paper to students just a day before the NEET-UG exam. The parent alleged that 42 questions from the chemistry section in the mock test appeared "exactly the same" in the actual paper.The chemistry section of the NEET exam carries 45 marks, making the alleged overlap significant, Tambe said.The complaint assumes importance as the NEET-UG examination has already been cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak. The complainant has also raised suspicions that the Latur-based institute could be linked to a larger organised racket behind the leak.Taking serious note of the allegations, SP Tambe has ordered an immediate probe and directed sub-divisional police officer Sameersingh Salve to conduct a detailed investigation and initiate legal action if any wrongdoing were established.Police sources said investigators would examine the mock test paper, compare it with the actual NEET question paper and determine whether the similarities were coincidental or indicated prior access to the exam content.Tambe appealed to students, parents and citizens to come forward with any information related to the suspected leak. He urged those with relevant inputs or documents to contact SDPO Salve at 9145119049 to assist with the investigation.