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Ravi Atri, the alleged mastermind behind the NEET-UG 2024 exam paper leak, has been apprehended by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) amid nationwide protests by students demanding an investigation into the exam. Atri, a resident of Neemka village in Greater Noida, was implicated in a scheme that has raised concerns about the credibility of one of India's most competitive medical entrance exams. The controversy arose after an unusually high number of 67 students achieved a perfect score of 720 in the NEET-UG exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) attributed this to the awarding of grace marks due to a problematic question and logistical delays in paper distribution at certain centers. However, a probe by Bihar police revealed that the exam paper had been leaked to a select few candidates. The NEET-UG examination, taken by nearly 24 lakh aspiring medical students, was held on May 5, and the results were expedited for early release on June 4. Despite the NTA's attempts to manage the fallout, allegations of a widespread leak persisted, leading to protests and legal actions across the country. The Supreme Court also intervened, criticizing the NTA for its handling of the situation.

Exam paper leaks have been a recurring issue across multiple states. Allegedly, a network called the 'solver gang' was responsible for uploading solved question papers on social media. The main figure behind these activities is Atri, who has a notorious history dating back to 2012 when he was arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for his role in leaking medical entrance exam papers. The Bihar Police initially apprehended several individuals, including a student and accomplices, but the investigation expanded beyond state boundaries. Interrogations revealed Atri's involvement, leading to his eventual capture by the UP STF. Atri's journey began in 2007 when his family sent him to Kota to prepare for the medical entrance exam. He succeeded in the exam in 2012 and gained admission to PGI Rohtak, but did not appear for the final year. Authorities believe that by then, Atri had already established connections with the 'exam mafia' and was impersonating other candidates. Additionally, he played a key role in circulating the leaked papers among students.