EducationProbe – Latur Administration Targets Illegal Coaching Centres After NEET Investigation
EducationProbe – The Latur district administration has intensified action against unauthorised coaching centres and commercial establishments following developments linked to the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation. Officials said the move comes amid increasing scrutiny after the Central Bureau of Investigation expanded its probe into the case.
The CBI has arrested 11 individuals so far, including retired academic PV Kulkarni and Shivraj Motegaonkar, who is associated with Renukai Career Centre. Investigators are examining the wider network connected to the alleged leak and the role of individuals linked to the coaching sector.
District Administration Orders Immediate Action
As part of the crackdown, the Zilla Udyog Kendra, also known as the District Industries Centre (DIC), issued directions on Friday to shut down commercial operations functioning illegally inside industrial units within the Latur Industrial Estate Co-operative Society.
According to officials, the industrial sheds and plots in the area had originally been allocated for manufacturing and industrial production. However, over the years, several premises were allegedly converted into spaces for private coaching institutes and related businesses without proper authorisation.
The action gained momentum shortly after the arrest of Pune resident Manisha Havaldar, who has been accused of leaking Physics-related questions from the NEET examination paper.
Industrial Areas Allegedly Used for Non-Industrial Activities
An official communication dated May 22 stated that the decision followed a review meeting chaired by the Latur District Collector. During the meeting, authorities reportedly found that a significant number of industrial properties in the MIDC zone were being used for activities unrelated to industrial work.
Officials said some units had been transformed into coaching classrooms, hostels, mess facilities, study halls, book centres and hotels. The administration believes these operations violated the original terms under which the industrial properties had been leased to entrepreneurs.
The notice sent to the president of the Latur Industrial Estate Co-operative Society warned that legal measures would be taken if immediate compliance was not ensured.
Growth of Coaching Sector Changed Local Landscape
Authorities noted that Latur’s industrial landscape underwent major changes after several manufacturing businesses slowed down in the early 2000s. As industries declined, many owners reportedly began renting their premises to coaching operators catering to competitive examination students.
Over time, the locality became widely recognised as one of the city’s major tuition and coaching hubs. The concentration of coaching centres attracted students from different regions, resulting in rapid commercial expansion around educational services.
Officials now say the recent investigation has pushed the administration to re-evaluate the legality of these operations and the broader use of industrial infrastructure in the district.
Focus on Regulation and Compliance
District authorities have indicated that inspections and enforcement measures are likely to continue in the coming weeks. The administration is expected to review whether commercial establishments operating in industrial areas have valid permissions and whether they comply with zoning and lease conditions.
The NEET-UG 2026 controversy has also renewed debate over the growing influence of private coaching institutions and the need for stricter oversight in examination-related systems. While the investigation remains ongoing, officials have stressed that the current measures are aimed at ensuring lawful use of public infrastructure and maintaining regulatory standards.