SIT probe ordered into Maharashtra TET paper leak after three arrests in Bhiwandi
On Saturday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, following the arrest of three individuals in Bhiwandi, Thane. The newly constituted investigation team will be headed by Thane Joint Police Commissioner Panjabrao Ugale.
The announcement came after Fadnavis held discussions on Saturday with School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and State Director-General of Police Sadanand Date regarding the paper leak case.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that he will push for those behind the incident to be booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Shinde asserted that the state government maintains a "zero tolerance" policy against corruption, adding that paper leaks are a serious offence equivalent to organised crime.
"We will decide whether to apply MCOCA against the key conspirators and accused involved in this organised act. Regardless of whether the accused are part of an organised network or hold important positions, no one will be spared," Shinde said.
Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has strongly criticized the Mahayuti administration over the incident, demanding an official apology. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray pointed to a series of recent question paper leaks, stating that the BJP should focus on stopping these repeated leaks instead of splitting political parties. Thackeray remarked that such recurring incidents over the last decade have ruined the future of the nation's youth and tarnished the reputation of Maharashtra.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also demanded strict action and an apology, stating that the government must take responsibility for the mental agony suffered by the candidates who spent time preparing for the TET examination.
Additionally, Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal warned of statewide protests if the government fails to take decisive action against those responsible. Sapkal questioned whether a political nexus was protecting the individuals behind the paper leak rackets, calling the situation an injustice to honest and hardworking students.
