The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought 14 days' custody of the accused arrested in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, informing a Delhi court that the investigation could expand across several states. The agency stated that investigators may need to take the accused outside Delhi as the probe widens to uncover the full network behind the leak.
Key Arrests and Allegations
According to the CBI, accused Dhananjay Nivrutti Lokhande was in regular contact with co-accused Manisha Waghamare and allegedly passed confidential material to another accused, Shubham Khairnar. The agency is also examining Prahlad Vitthal Kulkarni, described as a "subject expert" linked to the preparation of the NEET-UG paper. Investigators alleged that leaked questions were circulated through coaching sessions in Pune, leading to the arrest of a botany teacher from the city.
Expanding Probe Across States
The CBI informed the court that the investigation may require taking the accused to multiple locations outside Delhi as evidence suggests the leak network spans several states. The agency is working to identify all individuals involved in the conspiracy, including those who facilitated the circulation of the leaked paper.
Examination Cancellation
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was cancelled after allegations emerged that the paper had been leaked and circulated across multiple states. The CBI's investigation aims to ensure accountability and prevent future breaches of the examination process.
The court is expected to rule on the custody request in the coming days, while the CBI continues its nationwide probe to dismantle the leak network.
