Investigation – Court Seeks CBI Reply on Bail Request in NEET Paper Leak Case
Investigation – The legal proceedings linked to the alleged NEET-UG question paper leak continued on Saturday after Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on a bail application filed by Manisha Waghmare. The accused was recently arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation and was placed in judicial custody after spending 10 days under CBI interrogation.
Court Issues Notice on Bail Plea
Special Judge Ajay Gupta, who is hearing matters related to the case, issued a notice to the CBI and directed the agency to submit its response regarding Waghmare’s request for bail. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on June 5. The application was filed through advocates Shreyas Gacche and Shubham Gawande.
Waghmare remains in judicial custody until June 9 following the completion of her custodial questioning by investigators.
Allegations of Conspiracy in Paper Leak Network
According to the CBI, Waghmare and co-accused Prahalad Kulkarni were allegedly involved in a conspiracy connected to the acquisition and circulation of the leaked NEET-UG examination paper. Investigators claim that Kulkarni, a retired Chemistry teacher, played a key role in distributing the question paper to several individuals through Waghmare.
The agency has further alleged that Kulkarni maintained contact with Waghmare through another individual, identified as Manisha Mandhare. Investigators believe the leaked material eventually reached Dhananjay Lokhande of Pune through Waghmare.
CBI Probing Wider Distribution Chain
The CBI earlier sought custody of both Waghmare and Kulkarni, stating that additional investigation was necessary to uncover the broader network behind the leak and identify other individuals involved. The agency informed the court that it was attempting to trace locations where examination questions may have been disclosed to select candidates before the test.
On May 16, the court granted the agency 10 days of custodial interrogation for both accused persons to assist in the investigation.
Defence Challenges Arrest and Custody
During earlier proceedings, counsel representing Waghmare argued that her detention was unlawful and claimed she had been kept in unauthorized custody by Pune Police at the direction of the CBI before her formal arrest.
The defence also maintained that the allegations against her are primarily based on a disclosure statement made by co-accused Dhananjay Lokhande and asserted that no independent evidence directly links her to the alleged offence.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The investigation has uncovered what the CBI describes as a chain of transactions and communications among several accused persons. According to investigators, Lokhande allegedly received the examination material from Waghmare and later passed it to another accused, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar.
Officials have also examined financial records that reportedly show transactions worth nearly Rs 6 lakh between Khairnar and a relative who is also named in the case. The agency stated that bank records, digital evidence and other materials have been collected as part of the probe.
Digital Evidence and Telegram Distribution
Investigators allege that Khairnar obtained the leaked paper through Lokhande and intended to sell it for financial benefit. The CBI claims he later helped another accused, Yash Yadav, distribute the leaked content.
According to the agency, Yadav received PDF files containing Physics, Chemistry and Biology question papers through Telegram on April 29. Those files have reportedly been recovered during the investigation. Officials further stated that WhatsApp conversations between Yadav and Khairnar were retrieved, while Khairnar’s mobile device has been sent for forensic examination after allegedly attempting to remove evidence.
Further Links Emerge in Investigation
The CBI has also alleged that after receiving the leaked material, Yadav entered into a financial arrangement with another accused, Mangilal Khatik. Investigators claim Khatik subsequently distributed printed copies of the paper to several individuals, including associates of his family members.
The agency further alleged that answer keys for the leaked paper were obtained from a teacher in exchange for money. Investigators stated that incriminating material, including leaked question papers and digital records, has been recovered from devices seized during the inquiry.
The case remains under investigation, with the agency continuing efforts to identify the full extent of the alleged network behind the examination paper leak.