NEET candidate arrested in Hyderabad for using hidden mobile phone in washroom during exam

Hyderabad City Police on Sunday arrested an 18-year-old NEET aspirant for allegedly indulging in malpractice during the medical entrance examination at ZPHS Ragannaguda under Adibatla Police Station limits.

According to police, the candidate, a resident of Achampet, had planned to use a hidden mobile phone to cheat during the exam. He reportedly placed the device in a washroom ventilator before the exam began, accessing it later during the test.

Despite strict security arrangements, including two rounds of frisking at 6 AM and 11 AM and thorough inspection of the exam centre, the concealed phone inside the washroom went undetected during initial checks.

During the examination, the student complained of stomach pain and requested permission to use the restroom. Since the washroom was located away from the main building and served as the only common facility, he was allowed to go.

However, officials grew suspicious when he remained inside for an unusually long time. Staff members were sent to check, and he was allegedly caught red-handed using the hidden mobile phone to search for answers online.

Police later recovered the device and confirmed that the candidate had used a web browser to access information during the exam. Instagram was also found installed on the phone, though no other suspicious activity was reported.

During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the offence. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

The student is currently in police custody, and further investigation is underway.