NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Row: Delhi court sends two accused to 10-day CBI custody

A Delhi court has granted 10-day CBI custody of two accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case as investigators probe an alleged nationwide question paper leak network.

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday granted 10-day custody of two accused to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.

The accused, identified as Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni, were produced before the Rouse Avenue Court after the CBI sought 14 days of custodial interrogation.

The agency told the court that both individuals were allegedly part of a larger conspiracy involving the procurement and distribution of leaked NEET-UG examination papers. After hearing arguments, the court granted the agency 10 days to continue questioning the accused.

Modi Ji Sack Dharmendra Pradhan Now: Rahul Gandhi says NEET paper leak ‘betrayed’ 22 lakh aspirants

Alleged Leak Linked to NTA Examination Process

According to investigators, the case involves individuals associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the NEET-UG examination.

The CBI alleged that Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune arrested earlier in the probe, had access to Botany and Zoology question papers through her role in the examination process.

Investigators claim that Biology-related questions from the actual examination were leaked in advance. The agency further alleged that Mandhare and Manisha Waghmare organised special coaching sessions for prospective candidates at a residence in Pune, where several questions similar to those in the examination were allegedly shared beforehand.

Former Professor Also Under Investigation

The CBI informed the court that PV Kulkarni, a retired chemistry professor arrested earlier from Maharashtra’s Latur district, was also associated with the NTA panel responsible for question paper preparation.

NEET Paper Leak: SC petition seeks dissolution of NTA; Calls for new statutory exam authority

Officials believe the accused were part of a broader network operating across multiple cities. As part of the investigation, the agency has conducted searches at several locations nationwide and seized electronic devices, financial documents and other materials considered relevant to the case.

Probe Expands Across Multiple States

So far, nine people have been arrested from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 leak case.

The controversy has affected nearly 23 lakh aspirants after the examination was cancelled earlier this month over allegations of question paper leaks. Authorities have announced that the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination will now be conducted on June 21.