Meet Sikander P Yadavendu, a 56-year-old key accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case who was arrested on May 5. Originally from an agricultural family in Samastipur, Bihar, Yadavendu started as a small-time contractor and later became a junior engineer. In 2012, he landed a job with the water resources department and was later involved in an LED scam in 2016.
Yadavendu’s connections allegedly reached high levels, with ties to Pritam Kumar, the personal assistant of former deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. However, Tejashwi Yadav denied these claims, accusing the BJP of politicizing the issue. Yadavendu’s nephew, Anurag Yadav, was also involved in the case.
Following Yadavendu’s arrest, four NEET aspirants were also apprehended. This scandal has led to protests and demands for a retest from student organizations and youth wings of political parties across the country, as faith in the National Testing Agency (NTA) dwindles.
Published 22 June 2024, 19:04 IST