Maharashtra TET paper leak: 3 held, 4 question sets seized

Mumbai: Police have arrested three people in connection with the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) question paper leak, intensifying an investigation into what authorities suspect could be a statewide examination fraud network.

The accused were arrested during a raid in Bhiwandi, Thane district. Investigators recovered four different sets of the examination question paper, mobile phones, laptops, printed copies of the leaked papers, and several debit cards. Preliminary findings indicate that the seized question sets match the official examination paper.

The accused, aged 45, 30, and 28, had reportedly travelled from Delhi. Police said one is from Haryana, while the other two are natives of Bihar. Cases have been registered against them under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators believe the leaked question papers were brought from Delhi, while officials said candidates were allegedly asked to pay up to ₹1.5 crore for access to the papers. One of the key suspects remains absconding, and efforts to trace him are continuing.

The paper leak prompted the Maharashtra government to postpone the TET examination scheduled for June 28, affecting nearly 428,000 candidates. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination said a revised examination date will be announced later.

Police are expanding the probe to identify the source of the leaked papers and determine whether a larger interstate network was involved. The investigation is also being extended beyond Maharashtra. A special investigation team comprising two Assistant Commissioners of Police and nine Police Inspectors has been formed to expedite the probe.

The opposition has criticised the government over the leak, demanding strict action against those responsible and measures to restore confidence in the state's examination system.