The investigation into the nationwide NEET paper leak controversy has taken a major political turn in Rajasthan after the arrest of a local BJP functionary accused of playing a central role in the racket.

The development has intensified the confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with allegations of political shielding and demands for accountability growing louder across the state.

The accused, Dinesh Binwal, a BJP-linked leader from Jaipur district’s Jamwa Ramgarh area, was arrested by Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group (SOG) in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET examination paper.

His brother Mangilal has also come under the scanner as investigators widen the probe into what officials believe was a highly organised network involving middlemen, coaching-linked operators and facilitators.

According to investigators, the brothers allegedly obtained the NEET question paper days before the examination after paying around Rs 30 lakh to members of the racket.

Officials suspect that the leaked paper was first accessed between April 26 and 27 and later circulated among selected candidates ahead of the exam.

The SOG believes Binwal initially arranged the paper for his son, who was preparing for the medical entrance examination in Sikar, Rajasthan’s prominent coaching hub.

Investigators allege that copies of the paper were subsequently distributed to several other aspirants through a network operating in the region.

Officials probing the case claim the accused travelled to Sikar shortly before the examination and coordinated the distribution through contacts linked to hostels, consultancies, and coaching circles.

The investigation has revealed the possible existence of WhatsApp groups and digital channels allegedly used to circulate examination material among students and intermediaries.

The probe has also expanded to include possible links with last year’s NEET examination.

Investigators are examining claims that four children from Binwal’s extended family had cleared the exam previously, prompting suspicion that the network may have been active for more than one year.

Another accused, identified as Rakesh Mandavriya, has emerged as a key figure in the investigation.

Officials allege that he operated a consultancy office near coaching centres in Sikar and was involved in counselling and admission-related activities. Investigators suspect he received access to the leaked paper in advance and helped circulate it further among students and other operators.

The SOG later detained Rakesh and several associates from Dehradun as part of the ongoing crackdown.

Officials believe he may have sourced the paper through Binwal and then expanded the network using his contacts in the coaching ecosystem.

Investigators say the exact scale of the operation is still unclear, with agencies trying to determine how many students may have benefited from the leak.

The role of coaching institutes, hostel owners and private counselling operators is also being examined as investigators attempt to map the full chain of distribution.

The case has now been formally handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A CBI team reached Jaipur earlier this week and collected documents and evidence gathered by the SOG.

So far, at least 15 arrests have been made in the case, though opposition leaders claim many more individuals have either been detained or questioned during the investigation.

The arrest of a BJP-linked leader has triggered a sharp political reaction in Rajasthan. Congress leaders have accused the state government of attempting to suppress the matter because of the accused’s political affiliations. 

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that authorities delayed action despite repeated questions being raised publicly about the case.

He claimed the government avoided registering an FIR earlier because the accused was associated with the BJP.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also questioned whether political influence had affected the pace of the investigation.

The Congress staged demonstrations across Rajasthan on Wednesday, including protests in Jaipur, demanding accountability from the Centre and the National Testing Agency.

Party workers also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.

The BJP has not yet issued an official response regarding Binwal’s arrest.