Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: Alleged Mastermind’s Wife Arrested, Sent to Police Custody

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Maharashtra Teachers Eligibility Test (Maha TET) paper leak case has arrested the wife of the alleged mastermind as authorities continue to crack down on a suspected interstate examination fraud network.

Suman Kumari Gupta (40), a resident of Patna, Bihar, was taken into custody in connection with the ongoing investigation. She is the wife of Bijendar Kumar Baleshwar Kumar Sah, who has been identified by investigators as the alleged kingpin of the operation and remains absconding. A local court has remanded Gupta to police custody until July 6 for further questioning.

Financial Trail Under Investigation

According to the SIT, Gupta’s alleged involvement emerged during an examination of financial records and communication links between individuals suspected of participating in the paper leak network. Investigators believe she was aware of financial transactions connected to the alleged racket and had contact with several accused persons.

Police are now questioning her to determine the structure of the network, identify additional participants, and trace the movement of funds allegedly used to support the illegal operation.

Look Out Circulars Issued Against Absconding Accused

The investigation has also intensified efforts to locate two absconding suspects. Authorities have issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against Bijendar Kumar Baleshwar Kumar Sah and Kapil Dahiya to prevent them from leaving the country.

Investigators allege that Dahiya travelled under a false identity and was part of a group that reached Bhiwandi with the intention of distributing or selling leaked examination papers before the scheduled test. Police claim he escaped before officers could arrest him.

Interstate Network Suspected

According to investigators, Kapil Dahiya, a resident of Haryana’s Sonipat district, allegedly worked alongside Dheeraj Balraj Singh of Panipat, who was arrested earlier during a police operation targeting individuals accused of attempting to sell leaked examination papers.

The SIT believes two separate groups from Bihar and Haryana travelled independently to Maharashtra for the alleged operation. Although the teams reportedly had no direct connection with one another, investigators suspect both were coordinated by the absconding alleged mastermind.

Police further allege that Sah arranged flight bookings, local transportation, and maintained communication with members of the network throughout the operation before going into hiding after the first arrests were made.

Ten Investigation Teams Tracking Wider Conspiracy

To speed up the probe, the SIT has formed ten specialized teams to investigate different aspects of the case, including financial transactions, digital evidence, travel records, and communication networks.

Officials suspect the alleged mastermind may attempt to flee through the India-Nepal border due to his reported links to Bihar’s Samastipur district. The Look Out Circulars have been issued to prevent any international escape and assist law enforcement agencies in locating the accused.

Experts Call for Stronger Anti-Fraud Measures

Cybersecurity experts say organized examination fraud has evolved into sophisticated criminal enterprises involving encrypted communications, financial laundering, interstate coordination, and complex travel logistics.

Security analysts recommend stronger intelligence sharing between investigative agencies, advanced digital forensic capabilities, real-time financial monitoring, and coordinated interstate enforcement to dismantle such syndicates effectively. They also stress that enhanced security measures are essential to safeguard the credibility of public recruitment and competitive examinations across the country.