NEET UG 2026 leak: CBI reveals alleged network that collected certificates and blank cheques

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has outlined the alleged modus operandi behind the NEET UG 2026 paper leak in its chargesheet, claiming that educational certificates and a signed blank cheque were collected from candidates as security for providing access to the leaked examination paper.

The chargesheet, filed against 13 accused persons, is scheduled to be taken up by the Special Fast Track Court at Rouse Avenue, which will consider whether to take cognisance of the case.

According to the CBI, the alleged scheme revolved around accused Yash Yadav, who is said to have distributed the leaked NEET UG 2026 question paper for monetary consideration before the examination held on May 3. The agency alleged that Yadav obtained the leaked material from co-accused Shubham Madhukar Khairnar and then contacted candidates and intermediaries to circulate it further.

The agency claimed that several candidates from Faridabad, Jammu and other places told investigators that Yadav had approached them, either directly or through intermediaries, offering the leaked question paper in exchange for money.

The chargesheet further alleged that, acting on Yadav's instructions, educational documents were collected from candidates as security. According to a witness cited by the CBI, original Class X and Class XII mark sheets, a Transfer Certificate and a signed blank cheque belonging to accused Mangilal Biwal were collected from Mangilal Biwal and Dinesh Biwal.

These documents were later recovered from the witness's hostel room at the Sabarmati Hostel of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Jaipur during search proceedings.

The CBI also relied on digital evidence allegedly recovered from Yadav's mobile phone. According to the agency, forensic examination revealed his communication with co-accused Shubham Madhukar Khairnar, whose contact was allegedly saved under the names "Shubham Maharashtra" and "Ap Broker".

Chats and call records allegedly showed repeated discussions regarding the exchange of the leaked question paper, collection of educational documents as security and sharing of images of certificates on April 28 and 29, 2026. In one WhatsApp conversation dated April 19, the user of the number saved as "Ap Broker" allegedly identified himself as Shubham, the chargesheet said.

The agency further alleged that WhatsApp chats dated April 30 contained files titled "ph.com (1).pdf", "BT chem.pdf" and "BT bio.pdf". According to the CBI, these files included typed Biology questions and handwritten Chemistry notes that formed part of the leaked examination material.

The CBI said the handwriting on the recovered documents was verified by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL). It further alleged that printouts of leaked Biology and Chemistry questions were recovered from Yadav's residence in Gurugram, with the Government Examiner of Questioned Documents (GEQD) also confirming the material.

Investigators further claimed that the handwriting of one candidate on the Chemistry document linked it to the same chain of leaked material that had earlier been traced to accused Manisha Sanjay Waghmare.

The chargesheet also detailed the alleged role of Shubham Madhukar Khairnar. Based on call detail record (CDR) analysis and other evidence, the CBI alleged that Khairnar procured the leaked question paper from accused Dhananjay Nivrutti Lokhande, arranged for the material to be printed and copied in Nashik, organised accommodation for candidates at Panchak, distributed the leaked Biology, Chemistry and Physics material, collected money and educational documents as security, and shared the material with Yadav and others.

The CBI further alleged that chats recovered from Yadav's phone showed he remained in contact with candidates during the relevant period. Messages exchanged with accused Vikas Biwal on April 12 and April 17 allegedly showed him seeking updates on arrangements for candidates.

According to the agency, audio recordings recovered from Mangilal Biwal's phone also contained discussions between Mangilal Biwal and Dinesh Biwal regarding the expected arrival of the leaked NEET paper through Yadav.

The CBI said its investigation established that Yadav procured the leaked question paper from Khairnar, stored and circulated Biology and Chemistry material, approached candidates in return for money, collected educational documents and a signed blank cheque as security, and maintained regular contact with those allegedly involved in distributing the leaked paper.

The allegations form part of the chargesheet, which is yet to be examined by the trial court. The accused have not been convicted, and the court will determine the merits of the prosecution's case during the trial.

(ANI)