Three Suspects Remanded in Bhiwandi Over Maharashtra TET Paper Leak Case
A Bhiwandi court on Sunday remanded three suspects arrested in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case to police custody until July 6. The remand followed the cancellation of the June 28 exam by the Maharashtra State Council of Examination just a day before it was scheduled to take place, affecting more than six lakh candidates across the state.
The leak forced the cancellation of the exam across 1,028 centres. The case has been registered at the Bhiwandi police station, where investigators are working to probe the alleged racket.
According to court remand papers, police recovered question paper booklets, several mobile phones, ATM and debit cards, cash, bank cheques, and other documents from the accused. The seized mobile phones are being sent for forensic examination to retrieve digital evidence such as chats and call records. Investigators are also scrutinising bank accounts to establish a money trail.
During the court proceedings, Satendra Redhu, the counsel representing accused Dhiraj Singh, informed the court that his client had undergone bariatric surgery three months ago. Redhu sought directions from the court to ensure Singh receives proper medical care while in police custody.
The exam cancellation triggered political protests in the state. Members of the Youth Congress staged a demonstration outside the official residence of government official Bhuse, demanding his resignation over the incident.
Bhuse assured the affected candidates that the exam would be conducted again. He stated that candidates would not be required to submit fresh applications or pay exam fees for the rescheduled test. "Strict action will be taken against the culprits," Bhuse said, noting that a fresh exam date would be announced soon.
Meanwhile, the incident has renewed debates over teacher promotion policies. Teacher organisations have called on the state to review its policy of making the TET mandatory for the promotion of senior teachers.
