Patna: Bihar is once again at the centre of a widening examination fraud network with investigators linking the state to multiple paper leak and cheating syndicates that have allegedly infiltrated recruitment and competitive examinations across the country. From the NEET controversy and the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) recruitment scams to the latest Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-2026 paper leak and Bihar Police recruitment malpractice, investigators say organised networks with roots in Bihar have repeatedly surfaced in major examination fraud cases.The arrest of Suman Kumari, wife of alleged Maharashtra TET-2026 paper leak mastermind Bijendra Kumar Gupta, has given investigators a crucial lead in unravelling the interstate examination fraud network. She was arrested on Monday afternoon from Kumhrar under the Agamkuan police station area with the assistance of Bihar Police and is being questioned by a Maharashtra Police team.According to investigators, Suman is suspected of playing a key financial role in the racket by managing the proceeds generated through the alleged paper leak. During interrogation, police are examining her alleged role in handling illegal money transfers and maintaining communication with members of the network after the question paper was leaked. Officials believe she possesses vital information about the financial trail as well as the whereabouts of her absconding husband.Her arrest followed the detention of three accused — Rajeev Shah and Akash Kumar from Patna, and Dheeraj Kumar from Panipat in Haryana. During questioning, investigators identified Bijendra, a native of Sherpur village under Vidyapati Nagar police station in Samastipur district, as the alleged mastermind behind the operation. Police teams from Maharashtra, assisted by Bihar Police, have since launched coordinated raids across Bihar and neighbouring states to trace him.Investigators claim Bijendra has been linked to examination fraud networks for nearly 25 years and has figured in several high-profile recruitment examination scandals. His name has surfaced in cases related to the NEET (UG) examination, the Odisha Staff Selection Commission recruitment examination and other paper leak investigations. Police records also indicate he was an accused in a murder case registered in 2003.Officials believe Suman’s interrogation could help uncover the flow of crores of rupees allegedly generated through the racket, identify other members of the syndicate and establish how the proceeds were distributed. Investigators are analysing financial transactions, digital evidence and communication records to map the network’s operations and identify its beneficiaries.Meanwhile, Bijendra’s family in Samastipur has distanced itself from him. His father, Baleshwar Sah, said Bijendra had left the village years ago to pursue higher studies and later lost contact with the family. He claimed they were unaware of his activities and expressed shock over his alleged involvement in a major examination fraud case.
