Education – CBI Expands NEET Leak Probe With Two More Arrests
Education – The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the alleged NEET-UG paper leak case after arresting two more individuals, including a doctor from Maharashtra’s Latur district and a physics faculty member associated with a Pune coaching institute. With these latest developments, the total number of people arrested in the case has reached 13.
Investigators identified the doctor as Manoj Shirure, who is accused of helping three students gain access to chemistry-related questions before the examination. Officials claimed the material was allegedly sourced through PV Kulkarni, who has been named as one of the paper setters linked to the examination process. Among the students reportedly involved was the son of Shivraj Motegaonkar, the founder of Renukai Career Centre in Latur.
Coaching Centre Founder Already Under Arrest
Shivraj Motegaonkar had earlier been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the irregularities surrounding the medical entrance examination. According to officials familiar with the inquiry, the agency is examining whether a wider network was operating through coaching institutions and intermediaries to distribute confidential examination content.
The NEET-UG examination is one of the country’s most competitive entrance tests for admission to undergraduate medical courses. Allegations of leaked questions and unfair practices triggered widespread concern among students and parents across India.
Pune Faculty Member Linked to Physics Paper Leak
The second arrest made by the CBI involved Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a physics teacher employed at Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy in Pune. Investigators alleged that Shah received leaked physics questions linked to the NEET-UG 2026 examination through another accused person, Manisha Havaldar.
Officials said the agency is now focusing on tracing how the question papers were circulated and identifying every individual connected to the alleged conspiracy. The investigation is expected to examine communication records, financial transactions, and digital evidence collected during searches.
Extensive Searches Conducted Across Multiple Locations
In an official statement, the CBI confirmed that raids and searches had been conducted at 49 locations as part of the operation. During these searches, investigators reportedly recovered laptops, mobile phones, documents, and other materials believed to be relevant to the case.
A spokesperson for the agency stated that the investigation remains active and that efforts are underway to uncover the complete chain of individuals involved in the alleged leak. Authorities are also trying to determine whether additional students or coaching operators benefited from the leaked information.
The agency has not ruled out the possibility of more arrests in the coming weeks as forensic analysis of electronic devices and seized documents continues.
Examination Cancellation Raised National Concern
The controversy surrounding the medical entrance examination intensified after allegations of a paper leak emerged shortly after the test was conducted on May 3. Following growing criticism and demands for a transparent inquiry, the National Testing Agency decided to cancel the examination.
The cancellation affected thousands of aspirants preparing for admission to medical colleges across the country. The NTA later announced that a fresh examination would be held on June 21 to ensure fairness and restore confidence in the testing process.
The incident has renewed discussions about the security of national-level competitive examinations and the need for stricter monitoring systems to prevent leaks and malpractice.