The alleged architect of the NEET-UG 2024 exam paper leak Ravi Atri has been, finally, arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) amid widespread outrage by students demanding a probe into the exam, media reported.

Atri is a resident of Neemka village in Greater Noida and has been involved in previous exam paper leaks across several states, reported NDTV.

His modus operandi allegedly involved circulating solved exam papers on social media through a group known as the 'solver gang,' according to the report.

Atri's infamy goes back to his arrest in 2012 by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for his suspected role in leaking medical entrance exam papers.

Initially, the Bihar Police arrested several people linked to the leak, including a student and accomplices. As the probe widened, it extended the investigation beyond the state.

Atri's connections emerged during interrogations, leading to his eventual arrest by the UP STF.

Atri was once a medical aspirant. In 2007, Atri's family sent him to Kota to prepare for his medical entrance exam, the NDTV report said.

He successfully cleared the exam in 2012 and was admitted to PGI Rohtak but did not attend the exam in his fourth year, it added.

Investigators stated that by then, he had come in contact with the 'exam mafia' and was acting as a proxy for other candidates.

He also began playing a big role in distributing the leaked papers to students.

The NEET exam controversy

The controversy arose when 67 students achieved perfect scores of 720 in the NEET-UG exam.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) said this happened as some candidates were awarded grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical delays in paper distribution at some centers.

However, a Bihar Police investigation revealed that the exam paper had been leaked to a select group of candidates.

The NEET-UG exam, taken by nearly 24 lakh aspiring medical students, was held on May 5, and the results were released on June 4.

Despite the NTA's efforts to manage the situation, allegations of a widespread leak continued with protests and legal actions nationwide.

The Supreme Court also got involved, slamming the NTA for its handling of the issue.