New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its crackdown on the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak network with the arrest of two more accused from Maharashtra, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 13 across multiple states. The latest arrests include a doctor from Latur and a coaching faculty member from Pune, both accused of being part of a wider conspiracy to circulate leaked examination papers before the national medical entrance test.
Latest arrests in Maharashtra widen probe
The CBI confirmed that one of the arrested accused is Dr Manoj Shirure, a practising doctor based in Latur, Maharashtra. Investigators allege that he played a crucial role in facilitating access to leaked Chemistry questions for at least three students ahead of the examination. Among those beneficiaries was reportedly the son of a coaching centre owner who is already under the scanner in the same case.
The second accused, Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a Physics faculty member at Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA) in Pune, has also been taken into custody. According to officials, Shah allegedly received leaked Physics question sets from another accused, Manisha Havaldar, who was earlier arrested during the investigation. The agency believes Shah further helped in the circulation of the leaked material within coaching networks.
Multi-state investigation across coaching networks
The CBI’s investigation has now expanded into a multi-state operation covering key coaching hubs and suspected supply chains of leaked question papers. Officials stated that searches have been conducted at 49 locations across the country, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.
During these searches, investigators seized laptops, mobile phones and several documents believed to contain critical evidence linked to the leak network. These materials are currently undergoing detailed forensic and technical examination to trace digital communication, financial transactions and data transfers between accused individuals.
Officials added that the arrests so far have revealed links between coaching institutes, intermediaries and individuals allegedly involved in sourcing and distributing leaked examination content. The agency is also examining whether organised groups were operating in coordination to manipulate exam preparation channels.
Case background and registration of FIR
The case was registered by the CBI on May 12, 2026, following a formal complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The complaint highlighted alleged irregularities and suspected leaks in the NEET UG 2026 examination process, one of the most competitive entrance tests in the country for medical aspirants.
After registering the case, the CBI constituted multiple special investigation teams to conduct coordinated raids and interrogations across different states. Several suspects were detained for questioning in the initial phase of the investigation, leading to the gradual unravelling of what officials describe as a “structured network” involved in examination malpractice.
Digital trail and forensic analysis
According to the CBI, preliminary findings suggest the existence of an organised system through which leaked question papers for Chemistry, Physics and Biology were allegedly circulated before the examination. Investigators believe the leak may not have been isolated but part of a coordinated effort involving multiple layers of intermediaries.
Forensic experts are currently analysing electronic devices seized during raids, including encrypted chats, call records and stored documents. These findings are expected to help reconstruct the timeline of how the leaked papers were accessed, shared and used by beneficiaries.
Wider conspiracy under investigation
Officials stated that the total number of accused arrested in the case now stands at 13, with individuals traced across Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur and Ahilyanagar. The CBI suspects that the network extends beyond these locations and may involve additional facilitators who are yet to be identified.
Investigators are also exploring whether coaching institutes played any indirect role in facilitating access to leaked material, or whether certain individuals exploited their positions within academic circles to profit from the malpractice.
Conclusion
With multiple teams continuing parallel investigations, the CBI has reiterated that efforts are underway to identify every individual involved in the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak network. Officials have indicated that further arrests are likely as the forensic analysis progresses and the broader conspiracy structure becomes clearer.