Inquiry ordered in MBBS, PG exams question paper leak row at IGIMS Patna

Patna: Nearly a month after serious allegations of exam malpractice surfaced, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna has finally set up an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations of question paper leaks and answer sheet manipulation in MBBS and postgraduate final-year exams,

The controversy began on March 13, when an anonymous email flagged irregularities in the examination process. Despite the allegations, no immediate action was taken, as reported by Patna Press. 

It was only after about 28 days that the acting director-cum-Dean (Academics), Dr Om Kumar, constituted a four-member panel. The committee has been formed under the leadership of acting director-cum-Dean (Academics), Dr Om Kumar. The panel is headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar, Head of the PSM department, with Dr Gyan Bhaskar and Dr Ashwini as members. The panel has been given seven working days to submit its report, following which action will be taken. 

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According to the Daily's sources, the alleged malpractice involved large sums of money, with separate rates reportedly fixed for leaking question papers and manipulating answer sheets, and for getting answer sheets written externally and later adjusted within the system.

Preliminary inputs suggest that CCTV footage from the examination branch has captured suspicious activities, including unusual movement of candidates at odd hours. However, these claims are yet to be officially confirmed.

Sources indicate that an initial inquiry had earlier found signs of irregularities, but no concrete action was taken at the time. 

Meanwhile, the institute administration has come under further scrutiny after Dr Ranjit Guha, the Principal of IGIMS, was excluded from the enquiry process. He said he was neither invited to meetings nor informed about discussions, despite the matter directly involving MBBS and PG students under his charge.

Speaking to Patna Press, He said, "Four meetings have been held since March 13 regarding the issue, but I was not informed about any of them. Even internal committee discussions were conducted without me."

Dr Guha added that practical examinations are currently underway and said he plans to directly interact with students after their completion to gather more information.

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