Nagpur: Even as the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations continue without disruption, the alleged Maharashtra Class 12 paper leak controversy has left several students facing an uncertain future.
The Nagpur division of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Educationhas clarified that the incident does not qualify as an official “paper leak” and that no re-examination will be conducted. However, police investigations suggest that students linked to WhatsApp groups where Chemistry and Physics question papers—along with solved answers—were circulated remain under scrutiny.
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The case surfaced at St. Ursula Girls High School in Sadar after invigilators seized a mobile phone from a candidate of St. Francis de Sales College. Subsequent digital analysis allegedly revealed the circulation of exam content minutes before the papers began.
The Sadar Police Station has arrested Mustafa Khan (42) and Junaid Mohammad Abdul Javed (42), associated with Excellent Academy, for allegedly operating a WhatsApp group titled “Tech One,” where leaked papers were shared. Earlier, Nishikant Mool and Farhan Akhtar were arrested for running another group named “XII.” While Mool has been sent to jail, Akhtar has secured bail.
Investigators are probing whether money was exchanged for access to solved question papers. Digital footprints, deleted chats, and financial transactions are under examination, with more arrests likely.
Although students linked to these groups are currently allowed to continue appearing for exams, police officials confirmed that their roles will be evaluated after the examination cycle concludes. Authorities will determine whether any candidate knowingly benefited from the leaked material.City & Local Guides
Education experts caution that even passive membership in such groups could invite scrutiny from the Board and colleges. If complicity is established, students may face cancellation of results, debarment, or legal action under anti-cheating laws.
For now, examinations proceed as scheduled—but for those under the scanner, the end of exams may only mark the beginning of an anxious wait as SIT might summon them.
