The Patna High Court has granted bail to Ashwani Kumar alias Babloo alias Babloo Bhumihar in connection with the 2017 alleged NEET question paper leak case, noting that his name was not mentioned in the FIR and that the prosecution primarily relied on the confessional statement of a co-accused.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, police intercepted a van on suspicion and recovered documents, mobile phones, electronic devices and other materials. The occupants allegedly disclosed that they had been sent by the alleged mastermind of the NEET paper leak to collect question papers from a bank and deliver them to examination centres. The case involves offences under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66(c) of the Information Technology Act.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that his name did not appear in the FIR and surfaced only during the investigation through the confessional statement of a co-accused. It was also pointed out that two similarly placed co-accused had already been granted bail and that the petitioner had remained in judicial custody since September 11, 2025.
Justice Ashok Kumar Pandey considered the submissions from both sides, including the State's objection that the petitioner had two criminal antecedents.
The bench observed that,
“Having heard learned counsel for the parties and considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is inclined to enlarge the petitioner on bail.”
The High Court directed that Ashwani Kumar alias Babloo alias Babloo Bhumihar be released on bail upon furnishing a bail bond of ₹10,000 with two sureties of the like amount to the satisfaction of the concerned trial court in connection with Patrakar Nagar P.S. Case No. 224 of 2017.
Case Details
Case Title: Ashwani Kumar @ Babloo @ Babloo Bhumihar v. The State of Bihar
Case Number: Criminal Miscellaneous No. 46404 of 2026
Judge: Justice Ashok Kumar Pandey
Decision Date: July 13, 2026
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