A major cyber fraud operation targeting students and parents preparing for the Re-NEET examination has been uncovered by the Cyber Crime Branch in Ahmedabad. Authorities have clarified that the case does not involve any actual examination paper leak but a scam that used false promises to deceive aspirants.
Police arrested 2 individuals, identified as Sumer Singh Bharat Lal Meena from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Akash Pappulal Meena from Kota, Rajasthan. Investigators allege that the accused used Telegram, Instagram, and other social media platforms to advertise access to Re-NEET question papers and confidential examination information in exchange for advance payments.
During the investigation, officials identified 8 Telegram channels linked to the operation, including one named “Raghav_singh_neet”. These channels were allegedly used to offer fake examination materials and attract students seeking an advantage in the examination.
According to investigators, the network followed a planned strategy to gain trust. Once a Telegram channel reached around 400 premium members, associates reportedly joined posing as successful students and posted messages claiming they had received genuine examination content.
Police said the accused created a dedicated Re-NEET group shortly after the re-examination announcement and actively targeted concerned students and parents.
The investigation also revealed separate investment-related fraud activities operating through Telegram channels such as “Trade With Karol” and “Pankaj Bhardwaj”, where victims were allegedly promised high investment returns.
Authorities found that the accused artificially increased Telegram membership numbers through third-party services to create an impression of credibility. Victims who agreed to make payments were allegedly instructed to transfer money into accounts connected to online gaming platforms, a method believed to have been used to conceal financial transactions.
Police have traced transactions worth nearly Rs. 1.5 crore and are examining 6 key bank accounts that reportedly handled around Rs. 80 lakh over the past year. So far, 12 complaints from multiple states have been linked to these accounts.
Preliminary findings suggest that more than 1,000 individuals may have been targeted, while over 70 people were allegedly cheated through the examination-related scam. Investigators believe the accused contacted potential victims using around 250 mobile numbers and multiple Telegram channels within the last month.
Officials have reiterated that no NEET or other examination papers were recovered, emphasizing that the case is a cyber fraud involving misleading claims and false promises.
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