Kolhapur TET Paper-Leak: Fake IDs Found, Mastermind Ritesh Kumar Absconding, Bihar Link Investigation Hits Roadblock
Kolhapur
In the TET paper-leak case, police found fake documents for alleged Bihar-based suspects. Mastermind Ritesh Kumar remains missing despite raids. Investigation broadened with multiple arrests and identity fraud now central.
Kolhapur|December 5, 2025: The investigation into the recent TET question-paper leak in Kolhapur has reached a critical juncture after police unearthed forged identity documents linked to supposed suspects from Bihar. According to police sources, the primary accused and alleged mastermind of the racket, Ritesh Kumar, has been missing since November 23. Searches at his last known workplace a hostel where he worked as a rector yielded no sign of him.
Earlier raids and arrests had exposed a wide-ranging racket that allegedly supplied leaked TET papers to candidates for money. Authorities had detained several agents and facilitators believed to be part of this network. However, as the probe deepened, police found that at least two of the supposed Bihar-based suspects were using fake addresses and identity cards (like Aadhaar), raising serious doubts about the authenticity of their claims
The disappearance of Ritesh Kumar believed to have orchestrated the leak chain has posed fresh challenges. A police team dispatched to Bihar to track down the alleged conspirators has reportedly not found any concrete leads so far. Meanwhile, among the four initial suspects, two were discovered to have completely false credentials, prompting concerns over how widespread the forgery may be. Earlier in the investigation, authorities had arrested multiple individuals including agents who allegedly sold the leaked papers and those who coordinated the distribution. As many as 19 people have been held so far in connection with the case, while several others remain at large. The probe has revealed a complex network that may involve intermediaries in different states, fraudulent documentation, and possibly even misuse of political or social contacts.
With the mastermind absconding and the revelation of forged identities, police now face an uphill task in unraveling the full extent of the scandal and ensuring all involved including beneficiaries of the leak are brought to justice.
