Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: SIT Uncovers Interstate Network Spanning Bengal, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has widened its investigation, dispatching four teams to West Bengal, Bihar, Delhi and Haryana to unravel.

What officials suspect is an interstate examination paper leak racket. According to sources, one SIT team has been sent to West Bengal, while the other three are conducting searches and gathering evidence in Bihar, Delhi and Haryana to identify the wider network and trace others allegedly involved in the leak.

The investigation gathered pace after the Thane Police reportedly received intelligence on June 25 about a gang attempting to sell the leaked TET question paper. Acting on the tip-off, police launched an undercover operation, posing as prospective buyers to catch the accused.

Sources said officers remained in contact with the suspects for nearly two days, negotiating the purchase of the leaked paper while keeping their movements under surveillance. After allegedly agreeing to pay a substantial amount for the question paper, the police lured the accused to a designated location in Thane, where a raid was carried out.

Three accused were arrested during the operation, while a fourth suspect managed to evade arrest and remains absconding. Police believe all four had travelled from Delhi to Thane to execute the deal, and efforts are underway to track down the fugitive.

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.

The crackdown comes after the Maharashtra TET examination, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, was postponed following allegations that the question paper had been leaked nearly 24 hours before the test.

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

Around 4.28 lakh candidates aspiring to become teachers were expected to appear for the examination. The postponement has left lakhs of aspirants waiting for a revised schedule as investigators continue to probe the alleged interstate paper leak network.