The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, a 46-year-old beautician from Sukhsagar Nagar in Pune, for her alleged role in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. Waghmare is believed to have acted as an intermediary, connecting students and parents willing to pay for guaranteed success in the competitive medical entrance exam to the main accused, Dhananjay Lokhande, who was arrested earlier. Police suspect that Waghmare's involvement began two years ago while she was trying to help her daughter prepare for NEET, during which she fell victim to scams promising exam success. Following this, she reportedly began working for the fraud network, leveraging contacts from her beauty parlour to facilitate connections for a fee. Investigators have seized her mobile phone and laptop, revealing communications with Lokhande. Additionally, a substantial transfer of ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) was identified in her account on the NEET exam day. The CBI is now investigating further financial transactions and has arrested retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni, who was previously involved in question formulation for NEET.