Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: Probe Reveals Multi-State Racket Across Four States

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has expanded its investigation beyond the state, sending four teams to West Bengal, Bihar, Delhi and Haryana to uncover what officials believe is a well-organised interstate examination paper leak syndicate.

According to sources, one SIT team has been deployed in West Bengal, while the remaining teams are conducting investigations in Bihar, Delhi and Haryana to identify the network’s operatives, trace its supply chain and gather evidence against those involved.

The probe began after Thane Police received a tip-off on the night of June 25 about a group allegedly attempting to sell the leaked TET question paper.

Acting swiftly, investigators devised a covert operation, with police personnel posing as buyers interested in purchasing the paper. Sources said the suspects were kept under surveillance for nearly two days as officers negotiated the deal. Once the accused agreed to hand over the leaked question paper in exchange for a large sum of money, police laid a trap and raided the meeting spot in Thane.

Three accused were arrested during the operation, while a fourth suspect managed to escape and is currently on the run. Investigators believe all four had travelled from Delhi to Thane specifically to strike the deal.

The arrested accused have been identified as Rajeev Kumar, a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) graduate, Akash Kumar, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree, and Dheeraj Kumar, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) graduate. Police are now examining whether the group is linked to similar examination paper leak cases reported in other states.

The arrests came just a day before the Maharashtra TET examination, which was scheduled to be held on Sunday, June 28, forcing authorities to postpone the test after the question paper was allegedly leaked nearly 24 hours in advance.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Maharashtra State Examination Council said the examination had been deferred to safeguard transparency and maintain the integrity of the recruitment process. The test was slated to be conducted at 1,028 centres across Maharashtra.

Nearly 4.28 lakh teaching aspirants were expected to appear for the examination. With the test now postponed, candidates are awaiting a fresh schedule while the SIT continues its investigation into what officials suspect is a far-reaching interstate examination paper leak racket.