CBI team attacked in Bihar amid UGC-NET exam irregularity investigation

In a significant development, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) faced hostility from locals in Bihar’s Nawada district during their investigation into the alleged irregularities of the UGC-NET examination. The confrontation occurred on Saturday evening, June 22, when the CBI team visited Kasiadeeh village. According to officials, a mob encircled the CBI vehicles, leading to a tense standoff that required intervention from local police.

The situation escalated quickly as the CBI team, which was there to probe reported irregularities, found themselves heckled by an aggressive group of villagers. The local police were promptly called, and their intervention led to the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in the attack. These suspects have since been sent to judicial custody. The CBI had earlier, on June 20, registered an FIR against unidentified persons following a directive from the Union Education Ministry concerning the compromised integrity of the UGC-NET exam.

This incident came shortly after the National Testing Agency (NTA) had to cancel the UGC-NET examination scheduled in June 2024. The decision was made after the Ministry of Education received alarming inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit, suggesting that the exam’s integrity might have been compromised. In light of these findings, the Ministry handed the case over to the CBI for a detailed investigation, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the need for a transparent resolution.

Amidst these developments, the NTA has defended the security of its website and other portals, countering claims that they were compromised. In a statement released on X, the NTA reassured the public about the robustness of their digital platforms, despite the growing unrest and protests from students across the country regarding irregularities in another major test, the NEET-UG exam.

The attack on the CBI team highlights the complex challenges law enforcement agencies face when conducting high-stakes investigations in sensitive areas. The incident not only reflects the local distrust and potential misunderstanding towards federal authorities but also underscores the broader implications for India’s educational integrity. Ensuring the security and fairness of national examinations is crucial for maintaining trust in the educational system and upholding the meritocracy that these exams are supposed to represent.

Moving forward, it is imperative for both the NTA and CBI to work closely to restore confidence in the examination processes. This may involve not only re-evaluating security measures but also engaging with communities to educate and inform them about the importance of these investigations, aiming to prevent such confrontations in the future.