Beautician Arrested in NEET-UG Exam Paper Leak Investigation
Beautician key link in NEET-UG paper leak case: CBI probe
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
A beautician from Pune, Manisha Waghmare, has been identified as a key figure in the NEET-UG exam paper leak case, allegedly facilitating the distribution of leaked papers for monetary gain. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing a larger conspiracy involving multiple suspects linked to this scandal.
- 01Manisha Waghmare allegedly connected students with teachers and facilitated the distribution of leaked NEET-UG papers for around ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) per student.
- 02P V Kulkarni, a retired teacher, is also implicated in the conspiracy alongside Waghmare and Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, an NTA question-setting panel expert.
- 03Mandhare had complete access to NEET-UG question papers and allegedly leaked them to selected candidates for substantial monetary benefits.
- 04The CBI has identified a larger conspiracy, with several suspects still to be arrested, and has emphasized the need for further investigation.
- 05Counsel for Mandhare argued against her custody, citing her cooperation and age, but the CBI insists that her detention is crucial for uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating a significant paper leak scandal related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG). At the center of this investigation is Manisha Waghmare, a 46-year-old beautician from Pune, Maharashtra, who allegedly acted as a facilitator between students and teachers, helping distribute leaked exam papers for a commission. Waghmare was arrested on May 14 and is believed to have arranged for students to pay around ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) each for access to the leaked materials. The CBI has also arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a member of the National Testing Agency’s (NTA) question-setting panel, who allegedly leaked the papers in exchange for monetary gains. The investigation suggests a broader conspiracy, with the CBI seeking to uncover additional suspects involved in this organized crime. The agency has emphasized the importance of custody for the accused to facilitate the investigation and recover incriminating evidence. The case highlights serious concerns about examination integrity and the potential for widespread corruption in educational assessments.
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This scandal raises serious concerns about the integrity of medical entrance examinations, affecting students' trust in the system.
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