CBI Expands Investigation into NEET Paper Leak Amid Arrests of Key Insiders
‘Entire NTA committee under scanner’: CBI widens probe after 2nd insider arrested for NEET paper leak
Hindustan Times
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, arresting a second insider, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, who allegedly leaked questions from the exam. The entire National Testing Agency (NTA) paper-setting committee is now under scrutiny, with more arrests anticipated as the CBI uncovers the extent of the leak.
- 01Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a botany teacher, was arrested for leaking NEET-UG 2026 exam questions.
- 02The CBI has arrested nine individuals from five states in connection with the paper leak.
- 03Investigators found two sets of leaked papers: one handwritten and one typed.
- 04The NEET-UG exam, which was attended by over 22 lakh students, was canceled due to the leak, with a re-test scheduled for June 21.
- 05The CBI is examining whether the arrested individuals were involved in previous exam paper leaks.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is broadening its probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak following the arrest of a second insider, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a botany teacher from Pune. Mandhare allegedly leaked exam questions weeks before the test, having been appointed to the National Testing Agency's (NTA) paper-setting committee. Her arrest follows that of retired chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, identified as a 'kingpin' in the operation. The CBI has revealed that two sets of leaked papers were found, one handwritten and another typed, with Mandhare and Kulkarni conducting special coaching sessions where they disclosed exam questions to select students. The investigation has led to the arrest of nine individuals across five states, including co-accused Manisha Waghmare, who facilitated student access to Mandhare's classes. The leaked material reportedly circulated through middlemen and Telegram groups, with one PDF containing approximately 500-600 questions. Following the leak, the May 3 NEET examination was canceled, and a re-test is scheduled for June 21. The CBI remains committed to a thorough investigation to uncover all involved.
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The NEET paper leak has significant implications for students and educational integrity, leading to a canceled exam and a re-test.
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