Mumbai University BCom Paper Leak: ABVP seeks CID inquiry, stages protest

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on July 1 staged a protest outside the Vice-Chancellor's office at the University of Mumbai's Fort campus, demanding an immediate Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the alleged TYBCom final semester question paper leak. ABVP alleged that the University had failed to implement the Maharashtra government's directive to refer the matter to the CID. This happened despite the issue been raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

ABVP claims that the Maharashtra government had clearly stated on the floor of the Legislative Council that the alleged paper leak should be investigated by the CID. However, the organisation claimed that the University's Management Council has not acted on the directive, which raises questions if the institution was attempting to shield those responsible.

During the protest, ABVP members raised slogans demanding immediate action against those involved in the alleged leak and called for a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation. Protesters also sought strict punishment for those responsible, arguing that the incident had put the academic future of thousands of students at risk.

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The organisation questioned why the University was allegedly resisting a CID inquiry when examination-related irregularities in other cases across the state had been investigated promptly. It argued that the alleged TYBCom paper leak should be treated with the same seriousness as other examination malpractice cases.

ABVP questions silence

ABVP also criticised University's continued silence over the issue and claimed that despite the state government's clear directive, the University had neither initiated concrete action nor issued an official clarification regarding a CID investigation.

The student body further questioned whose interests were being protected by opposing an independent investigation.

Speaking during the protest, ABVP Mumbai Metropolitan Secretary Prashant Mali alleged that ignoring the government's direction had created doubts about the University's intent. He accused the administration of attempting to suppress the truth and announced that ABVP would continue its agitation until a CID investigation is ordered.

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The alleged paper leak took place during the University of Mumbai's TY BCom Semester 6 summer examinations in April this year. Question papers and answer key for cost accounting, business economics, and direct and indirect taxes were allegedly circulated in WhatsApp groups linked to a private coaching institute. A university flying squad found six students carrying mobile phones at R D National College in Bandra.

ABVP warned that if the University delays it further, it will intensify its agitation across Maharashtra.