The CBI opposed Shambhu Sharan Ram’s anticipatory bail, arguing that his son is currently evading arrest.
New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to the father of a NEET UG 2024 aspirant for whom an impersonator allegedly appeared in the medical entrance examination. The NEET UG Paper case is currently under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI). Special Judge Ankit Singla granted anticipatory bail to Shambhu Sharan Ram.
Bail Bond of Rs 50,000, One Surety
The court stated that he would be released on a bail bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety if arrested. Ram’s son, Abhishek Raj, was a NEET UG 2024 aspirant, and it is alleged that Keshav appeared for the exam on his behalf in Delhi. The CBI opposed Shambhu Sharan Ram’s anticipatory bail, arguing that his son is currently evading arrest. The court said that if his son is evading arrest, it cannot be grounds for arresting him. He has been admitted to anticipatory bail.
The court granted accused Bishu Kumar interim protection from arrest for 30 days, with the stipulation that he would join the investigation. According to CBI, Bishu Kumar is the alleged mastermind of this conspiracy. He was the roommate and senior of Keshav, who appeared for Abhishek Raj in NEET UG.
Keshav and Bishu Kumar are themselves medical students from Bihar’s Champaran. As per ANI report, while arguing for bail applications, advocate Ankit Kishore submitted that Bishu Kumar is a 20-year-old medical student. He has no role in this case. He only accompanied Keshav to exam centre. He is an MBBS student and has a future in front of him. Keshav has already been granted bail.
On the other hand, Special Public Prosecutor for CBI submitted that a notice was issued to Bishu Kumar for joining the investigation but he did not join, ANI reported. An NBW was also issued against him. There are multiple money transaction in his bank account.
Delhi Police had arrested Keshav from a school at Dhaula Kuan. In this regard, an FIR has also been registered. He has been granted bail by the court. After taking over the investigation, the CBI has also registered an FIR under sections related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, etc.
The Supreme Court will on Tuesday resume the NEET UG hearing. The Supreme Court is hearing the arguments on a batch of pleas seeking cancellation, re-test, and a court-monitored probe into the allegations of malpractice in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, held on May 5 this year. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra heard the case on July 18 and directed the NTA to announce the results of the NEET UG by July 20.
The National Testing Agency conducted the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) – 2024 for more than 24 lakh candidates at 4750 different Centres located in 571 Cities throughout the country including 14 Cities outside India on 05 May 2024 (Sunday) from 02:00 PM to 05:20 PM (IST). However, a re-examination of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) – 2024 on 23 June 2024 for 1563 candidates who had experienced time loss during the originally scheduled examination on 05 May 2024 and were awarded compensatory marks on the recommendation of High-Powered Committee.
(With ANI Inputs)