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CBI arrests alleged kingpin behind Chemistry section leak (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a key accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, claiming to have identified the original source behind the alleged leak of the Chemistry section of the examination paper.
According to the agency, the accused, identified as P.V. Kulkarni, was working as a Chemistry lecturer and was involved in the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Investigators said he allegedly had access to the question papers before the examination conducted on May 3.
CBI officials said Kulkarni allegedly organised special coaching sessions at his residence in Pune during the last week of April 2026. The sessions were reportedly arranged with the assistance of another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested earlier on May 14.
The agency claimed students attending these sessions were dictated questions, answer options and correct responses linked to the Chemistry paper. According to investigators, handwritten notes recovered from students matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 question paper.
Kulkarni, originally from Latur, was arrested in Pune after what the agency described as extensive interrogation.
The investigation has expanded rapidly over the past 24 hours, with CBI teams conducting searches at several locations across the country. Officials said they seized documents, electronic devices and mobile phones believed to be connected to the alleged examination leak network.
The agency added that forensic and technical examination of the seized material is currently underway.
The CBI registered the case on May 12 following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Union Education Ministry.
So far, seven accused have been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar. Five of them have already been produced before a court and remanded to seven days of police custody for further questioning.
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Two additional accused arrested in Pune are being shifted to Delhi after transit remand proceedings.
The CBI said its investigation has revealed the role of middlemen who allegedly mobilised students willing to pay large sums of money to attend the coaching sessions where leaked questions were discussed.
The agency has stated that further investigation is ongoing and special teams are continuing to track the wider network involved in the alleged paper leak.
