NEET-UG Paper Leak Probe Intensifies CBI Arrests Doctor, Pune Tutor
Fresh arrests in Maharashtra expose deeper links in the alleged medical entrance examination leak network; total accused held reaches 13
NEW DELHI, May 27: The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case with the arrest of a doctor from Maharashtra’s Latur district and a physics faculty member associated with a Pune-based coaching institute, officials said on Wednesday.
According to investigators, the arrested doctor, Manoj Shirure, is suspected to have acted as a key intermediary in arranging access to confidential chemistry examination questions for three candidates appearing in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate).
Among the beneficiaries allegedly linked to the operation was the son of Shivraj Motegaonkar, founder of Renukai Career Centre in Latur, who was earlier taken into custody by the agency in connection with the same case.
Officials stated that Shirure allegedly established contact with individuals connected to the examination paper-setting process and facilitated the transfer of sensitive material before the medical entrance examination was conducted.
In a separate development, the CBI also arrested Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a member of the physics faculty at Pune’s Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy. Investigators believe Shah obtained leaked physics-related questions through another accused, Manisha Havaldar, who had already been arrested during earlier phases of the investigation.
The latest arrests have taken the total number of accused apprehended in the case to 13, reflecting the widening scope of the inquiry into what officials describe as a multi-layered examination malpractice network.
The CBI said its investigation is focused on uncovering the complete conspiracy chain, including individuals involved in leaking, distributing and monetising examination content. As part of the operation, agency teams have conducted searches at 49 locations across multiple states.
During the raids, officials reportedly seized laptops, mobile phones, digital storage devices and several documents believed to contain crucial evidence related to the leak and communication between the accused.
The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination triggered nationwide concern after allegations emerged that question papers had been accessed and circulated before the test. Following mounting criticism and complaints from students and parents, the National Testing Agency cancelled the examination conducted on May 3.
Authorities have since announced that a fresh examination for medical aspirants will now be held on June 21 under enhanced security arrangements and stricter monitoring protocols.
The ongoing investigation has once again raised serious questions regarding the security of national-level competitive examinations and the functioning of private coaching networks allegedly involved in organised malpractice activities.
