A mobile phone hidden inside a school washroom flush tank has landed an 18-year-old NEET re-test candidate in police custody in Hyderabad.The candidate was allegedly caught using the phone to search for answers during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) re-examination held on Sunday at a government school in Ragannaguda under the Adibatla Police Station limits.According to police, the student had planned the act before entering the examination hall.
Phone allegedly hidden before exam
Investigators said the candidate, a resident of Achampet, arrived at the school around 7 AM, several hours before the examination.“As per his plan to commit cheating, the student came to the school around 7 AM and placed a mobile phone in the washroom ventilator,” police said.The washroom was located next to the school compound wall, allowing him to access the ventilator from outside, officials said.Around 11 AM, shortly before the examination, he allegedly entered the washroom again, placed the phone inside a zip-lock cover and hid it in the flush tank.What makes the incident notable is that the examination centre had already undergone multiple security checks.Police said the premises were inspected twice, once at 6 AM and again at 11 AM. Candidates were also frisked before entering the examination centre. However, the phone concealed inside the flush tank went unnoticed during those checks.
Long washroom visit raises suspicion
During the examination, the student reportedly complained of stomach pain and sought permission to use the restroom.The washroom was the only common facility available at the centre and was located some distance away from the main school building.According to police, the invigilator became suspicious after the candidate spent an unusually long time inside.After waiting for some time, examination staff were sent to check on him.“The accused was caught red-handed inside the washroom actively searching for answers on his mobile phone,” police said.
Phone seized, case registered
Following the alert, police personnel stationed at the centre seized the device.A preliminary inspection of the phone showed that the candidate was allegedly using Google Chrome to search for answers. Apart from Instagram, investigators did not find any other active applications of concern on the device.During questioning, the candidate admitted to the act, police said.Based on a complaint filed by the school administration, a case has been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.The accused remains in police custody and further investigation is underway.The incident comes at a time when examination authorities across the country are under pressure to strengthen security measures and prevent unfair practices in high-stakes entrance examinations.(with agency inputs)
