NEET-UG row: Surgeon under scanner for alleged scorecard discrepancy

An orthopaedic surgeon from Latur has come under scrutiny by the local police based on a Facebook post in which he shared his son's NEET-UG scorecard, claiming his son scored over 600 marks. However, when the QR code on the scorecard is scanned, it directs to the https://neet.ntaonline.in website, showing the same result with the same roll number but a different photograph than the one the surgeon posted. mid-day reached out to the doctor, who confirmed his post, he said, "I have checked everything is genuine, there is no problem."

mid-day received information from sources about an orthopaedic surgeon who shared a Facebook post on June 4, claiming his son had scored over 600 marks in the NEET-UG exam, garnering much praise. A source from mid-day saw the post and scanned the QR code on the scorecard, which redirected to the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (UG) website. To his surprise, the result displayed a different photograph. mid-day conducted multiple checks with Maharashtra police officials, who were unaware of the issue and had not received any complaints regarding the doctor. However, after being informed by the mid-day reporter, the officials took cognisance and began investigating the doctor's post.

During the conversation with the doctor, he confirmed the post and acknowledged that his son had scored 604 marks in NEET-UG 2024. Based on the roll number of the candidate, mid-day has checked that he appeared for the exam in Delhi.

When mid-day asked the doctor about the scorecard he shared on Facebook, he noted that it has a QR code. Scanning the code brings up a result with the same marks, roll number, centre number, and name, but a different photograph. The doctor responded, "The photo I shared along with the scorecard is of my son, but it's a bit old."

Officials in the Latur police, who are probing the NEET-UG exam leak case, have confirmed they are enquiring into the doctor's post. "We are yet to ascertain if it is genuine or fake. If any manipulation is noticed, we will register a case," an officer from the Latur police told mid-day. mid-day has withheld names of the student and the orthopaedic surgeon as the police are verifying the Facebook post and hadn't reached a conclusion at the time of going to press.

Meanwhile, the Latur police investigating the NEET-UG paper leak case have recorded the statements of at least five parents who were in contact with the accused and named in the FIR. Their admit cards were also found with the accused. The case registered by the Latur police will be investigated by the CBI. Officials have also sent a team to Uttarakhand in search of one of the main accused, Gangadhar Gunde, who is named in the FIR and is said to be the common link among all the accused.