CBI Nabs Two in NEET Scam—Here’s How They Fooled Students
You know how crazy competitive NEET is, right? Well, turns out some folks were making it even harder by preying on desperate students. The CBI just arrested two guys—middlemen, or should I say conmen—who allegedly promised to “fix” NEET results for a fat fee. And honestly? This whole mess shines a light on just how broken parts of our education system really are.
The Scam: How It Went Down
Fake Promises, Real Money
Picture this: You’ve failed NEET twice. Then some smooth-talker slides into your DMs claiming he’s got “contacts” in the NTA who can bump up your score—for ₹5 lakh. That’s exactly what happened. These guys operated like proper scam artists—fake scorecards, WhatsApp screenshots showing “modified” marks, the whole works. They’d even pressure parents: “Pay now or lose the seat!” Classic fear-mongering.
CBI’s Move
Thankfully, the CBI wasn’t sleeping. After complaints piled up, they raided spots in Delhi and UP, grabbing these two. Found fake admit cards, payment trails—even a ledger listing victims. “These weren’t small-time crooks,” a source told me. “Organized racket targeting vulnerable kids.” No kidding.
Who Were These Guys?
Not Their First Rodeo
Details are still hazy, but insiders say one ran a shady coaching center. Perfect cover, right? He’d identify struggling students, then his partner would swoop in with the “I know a guy” pitch. Their trick? Creating artificial scarcity—”Only 5 seats left!”—to rush decisions.
How They Got Caught
Here’s the thing: They got greedy. Started targeting repeat-testers’ parents, some who’d already paid ₹10+ lakhs. When results came out unchanged, the dominoes fell. One dad actually went to the cops after selling his wife’s jewelry. Tragic.
The Fallout: Broken Dreams, Empty Pockets
More Than Money Lost
Talked to a kid from Patna whose family sold their farmland to pay ₹8 lakh. “Now we’ve got neither money nor a medical seat,” he said, voice cracking. And that’s the real crime here—crushing hope. Psychologists say some victims might never retake NEET now. Can you blame them?
Bigger Picture
This fuels the anti-NEET fire, especially in states like Tamil Nadu. “See? The system’s rigged!” protesters shout. Meanwhile, politicians are having a field day—some demanding NTA reforms, others yelling “Scrap NEET!” Typical chaos.
What’s Next?
Legal Road Ahead
The accused are booked under cheating and conspiracy charges—same old IPC 420, 120B. If convicted? Maybe 7 years inside. Remember the Vyapam scam? Similar playbook, harsh sentences. But here’s my worry: Are these two just small fish?
How Not to Get Scammed
- If someone DMs you about “guaranteed admission,” block them. Seriously.
- No legit official asks for payment in crypto or cash. Red flag.
- Pressure tactics? Walk away. Real opportunities don’t expire in 24 hours.
Stick to NTA’s website (nta.ac.in) for updates. As one officer told me: “If it sounds illegal, it probably is.”
Public Anger & Government Lip Service
Protests in Kota
Students are furious—rightfully so. There were marches in Kota last week demanding compensation for victims. “Regulate coaching centers properly!” signs read. Good luck with that.
Ministry’s Response
Education Ministry announced a new “grievance portal.” Wow. Groundbreaking. Meanwhile, opposition leaders want a parliamentary probe. Because what India needs is more committees, right?
Final Thought
Look, NEET’s stressful enough without scammers making it worse. While the CBI did good work here, we need systemic fixes—better oversight, maybe counseling for aspirants. But till then? Remember what your grandma said: If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Source: Hindustan Times – India News
