New Delhi, May 16: The investigation into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak is intensifying. So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended chemistry lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the entire racket.
According to the CBI, Kulkarni had long been involved with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and had access to examination materials. The agency claims that he recruited students with the help of another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested on May 14.
The investigation revealed that Kulkarni conducted special coaching classes at his residence in Pune for select students. During these sessions, he dictated questions, options, and correct answers, which students wrote down in their notebooks. The CBI asserts that the questions noted by the students closely match the actual NEET UG 2026 exam paper held on May 3.
P.V. Kulkarni hails from Latur district in Maharashtra. He has been placed under transit remand and is being taken to Pune before being brought to Delhi.
The CBI reported that prior arrests included seven individuals from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. Five of these suspects have already been remanded for seven days, while two others will be brought to Delhi after transit remand.
In the last 24 hours, the CBI has conducted multiple raids across the country, seizing crucial documents, electronic devices, and mobile phones. These items are now undergoing forensic and technical analysis.
The case came to light when several parents in Latur complained that 42 questions from a coaching institute’s mock test were identical to those on the actual NEET UG exam. Following this, local police initiated an investigation, which subsequently led to the CBI’s involvement.
– V.K.U./A.S.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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