The Central Bureau of Investigation has widened its probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case with the arrest of a doctor from Maharashtra’s Latur and a Physics faculty member linked to a Pune-based coaching institute. With the latest arrests, the number of accused held in the case has risen to 13, as investigators examine suspected links between coaching centres, intermediaries and paper leak operatives.
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Doctor Accused of Facilitating Chemistry Questions
According to officials familiar with the investigation, Latur-based doctor Manoj Shirure has been accused of facilitating access to Chemistry questions for three students. Investigators allege that the questions were sourced through PV Kulkarni, who is suspected to have had links to the paper-setting process.
Agencies are examining whether the leaked material was selectively circulated to a small group of candidates in exchange for money or influence. Sources said one of the students who allegedly received the material was related to a coaching institute operator already under scrutiny.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether the accused acted independently or as part of a coordinated network involving educational institutions and facilitators operating across different cities.
Pune Physics Teacher Arrested in Parallel Probe
In a parallel development, the CBI arrested Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a Physics teacher associated with a Pune-based medical coaching academy. Investigators allege that Shah received leaked Physics questions through another co-accused already under investigation.
Officials are examining whether different subject papers were circulated through separate channels before the examination. The emerging evidence, according to investigators, points towards a structured operation rather than an isolated leak.
The probe has also brought coaching centres under scrutiny. Investigators suspect that some coaching-linked individuals may have acted as connectors between students and members of the alleged leak network.
Digital Evidence and Coaching Nexus Under Scanner
As part of the ongoing investigation, agencies have conducted searches at 49 locations and seized electronic devices, laptops, mobile phones and documents for forensic examination. Digital experts are now attempting to recover deleted chats, files and transaction trails to establish the chain of events.
Investigators are analysing communication records, financial transactions and digital exchanges to track how the question papers allegedly moved through intermediaries before reaching students. Authorities are also examining whether encrypted messaging platforms, private groups or cloud-sharing systems were used to distribute examination material.
The controversy has raised serious concerns over the integrity of India’s medical entrance examination system. Following the paper leak allegations, the National Testing Agency cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 and announced a fresh examination on June 21. Investigators believe more arrests and disclosures may follow as forensic analysis of seized devices and financial evidence progresses.
