CBI arrests key accused linked to NEET-UG physics paper leak, 11 held so far

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested another key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, taking the total number of arrests in the high-profile probe to 11 so far.

The latest arrest is linked to the alleged leak of the physics section of the national medical entrance examination.

The accused, identified as Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, is employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, Maharashtra.

According to investigators, she had been appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert involved in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process, giving her access to confidential physics question papers.

CBI officials alleged that Havaldar played a central role in leaking questions before the examination conducted on May 3.

Investigators suspect that select candidates were provided access to crucial questions in advance through a wider network operating across multiple states.

The arrest comes amid an expanding probe into what the CBI has described as an organised paper leak syndicate involving educators, middlemen and coaching-linked operatives.

Earlier in the investigation, the agency arrested chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, who was described as the alleged ‘kingpin’ behind the leak network.

Another Pune-based botany expert, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was also arrested for allegedly leaking biology questions after being appointed as an NTA expert.

According to the CBI, several accused allegedly conducted secret coaching sessions where students were dictated questions and answers that later matched the actual NEET-UG examination paper.

Investigators have also claimed that large sums of money were exchanged in return for leaked material.

The agency has carried out raids across multiple cities, seizing laptops, mobile phones, bank records, and other electronic evidence.

Officials are now examining the financial trail and digital communications to identify more members of the alleged racket.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case has triggered nationwide outrage, with growing questions being raised over the security of one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations and the role of insiders associated with the exam-setting process.