Indian federal police file charges against 13 over exam paper leaks

Federal police in India have filed charges against 13 people accused of involvement in leaking question papers for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The scandal forced the education minister to resign and led to a re-test for approximately 2 million students who took the exam in May.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated that those charged include three subject experts from the National Testing Agency, middlemen, and individuals associated with coaching centers. They face charges including criminal conspiracy and cheating.

Exam paper leaks are a recurring issue in India. The recent protests, which saw thousands gather in the capital and spread to other cities, were among the biggest political challenges for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in its third term. The Supreme Court has also intervened, ordering that no coercive action be taken against protesters and directing authorities to preserve surveillance footage amid allegations of police brutality.

In response to the scandal, the government is pushing a bill to amend public examination legislation. The proposed changes include significantly longer prison sentences and higher fines for those involved in leaks, with potential punishments ranging from five to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to 50 million rupees ($522,000).

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The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed charge sheet ... against 13 arrested accused for offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence and others.