New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Saturday granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a 10-day custody of two accused, Manisha Waghmare and PV Kulkarni, in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET-UG 2026 question paper. The court’s decision came after the CBI sought 14 days of custodial interrogation to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the paper leak racket.
Details of the Custody Order
Earlier in the day, both accused were produced before the court. The CBI argued that custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the wider network involved in the obtaining and distribution of the leaked examination paper. After reserving its order, the court granted the investigating agency 10 days of custody.
Role of the Accused
According to the CBI, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior Botany teacher from Pune who was arrested earlier, allegedly leaked Biology-related questions from the NEET-UG 2026 paper. Investigators claimed she was associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) and had access to Botany and Zoology question papers. The agency alleged that Mandhare, along with Manisha Waghmare, mobilized prospective candidates and conducted special coaching sessions at her Pune residence, where several examination questions were disclosed in advance.
Retired chemistry professor PV Kulkarni, who was arrested from Latur, Maharashtra, was also associated with the NTA panel involved in question paper setting, the CBI informed the court.
Investigation Progress
The CBI has conducted searches at multiple locations across the country and seized laptops, mobile phones, bank statements, and several incriminating documents as part of the investigation. So far, nine accused have been arrested from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.
Upcoming Re-examination
The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21.
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