Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered forensic audits of MHT-CET examination centres that have received complaints, along with a separate audit into an alleged data leak linked to the entrance examination.
The directions followed a meeting in Mumbai between Fadnavis and a delegation of teachers and students from across Maharashtra. The delegation raised several issues related to the conduct of the MHT-CET examination, according to a report by The Times of India.
Under the directions issued after the meeting, all examination centres against which complaints have been received will undergo forensic scrutiny. The chief minister has also ordered that first information reports be registered based on the complaints raised by teachers.
The matter has been assigned for investigation to a Joint Commissioner of Police. The same police-level investigation will examine the alleged data leak, while a separate forensic audit will be conducted into the leak-related claims. The orders have been issued to the Mumbai Police Commissioner with immediate effect.
The directions place examination-centre operations and the handling of examination-related information under formal scrutiny. However, the report does not specify the number of centres facing complaints, the nature of the alleged irregularities, the number of students affected or whether any complaint has so far been established as credible.
The MHT-CET is a state-level entrance examination, making the integrity of its centres and examination systems significant for students seeking admission through the process. The immediate focus of the investigation will be to establish what occurred at the complaint-hit centres, whether examination procedures or data security protocols were breached, and whether any individuals or institutions were responsible.
The chief minister has directed that strict action be taken against those found guilty. The police investigation and forensic audits are expected to determine whether the complaints and alleged data leak disclose offences requiring further legal action. No findings from the audits or police inquiry have been announced so far.
