CBI officials visited Modern College in Shivajinagar, Pune, on Wednesday to inspect the desk, drawer, and locker used by junior college teacher Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested on May 16 in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The team recovered some old question papers from her locker, though it remains unclear which examinations they pertained to.
Key Accused in NEET-UG 2026 Biology Paper Leak
Mandhare, a biology teacher at Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (junior college) at the time of her arrest, is a primary suspect in the leak of the NEET-UG 2026 biology question paper. According to the investigating agency, she had ties with the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body responsible for conducting the NEET-UG examination, serving as a subject expert involved in the exam process.
College Visit and Investigation Details
When arrested, Mandhare was on leave from the college. During Wednesday's visit, CBI officials also sought information from college authorities regarding her role and activities. This follows a search conducted by the CBI on Saturday at Mandhare's residence in the Ganga Osian Park society in Sukhsagarnagar near Katraj. Another accused in the case, Manisha Waghmare, a beauty parlour owner, resides in the same housing complex.
Ongoing Investigation and Assistance
The CBI brought Mandhare to Pune as part of the ongoing investigation, though her exact location was not disclosed. The Pune police provided manpower assistance to the central agency during the operation.
