The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak by bringing key suspects to Pune for questioning, as investigators attempt to piece together the network of leakers, facilitators and beneficiaries.
Key Suspects Brought to Pune
On Thursday, the agency brought Shubham Khairnar to Pune for interrogation, a day after moving junior college teacher Manisha Mandhare and beauty parlour owner Manisha Waghmare from Delhi as part of efforts to join the dots in the case. Khairnar was questioned at the CBI office on Pune-Alandi Road on Thursday.
Role of a Latur-Based Doctor
The CBI is also examining the role of a Latur-based doctor suspected to be among the beneficiaries. Officials suspect he might have procured the leaked paper for his child. We are questioning him to establish his involvement, a CBI official said.
Investigation into Facilitators
According to investigators, Khairnar operated an educational consultancy that guided aspirants preparing for MBBS, BDS, BHMS and other medical entrance examinations. Officials are probing his links with the Pune-based accused arrested earlier, and his possible role as a facilitator.
Mandhare, a now-suspended professor at Pune's Modern College in Shivajinagar, who was associated with the National Testing Agency, and her neighbour Waghmare are being interrogated to establish how the leak was executed and disseminated. Investigators are focusing on how the question paper was circulated and the methods used to approach NEET aspirants.
Network of Beneficiaries
Parallelly, the agency is questioning the Latur doctor, who runs a hospital. Officials suspect he may have procured the leaked paper for his child through alleged mastermind P V Kulkarni, a retired chemistry head of department accused of leaking the paper before the exam.
The investigation has now widened to trace the network of alleged beneficiaries. Agencies suspect several parents, including medical professionals, paid hefty amounts to access the question paper in advance. Multiple parents across districts are being questioned, with some placed under surveillance.
Geographical Expansion of Probe
The probe has expanded beyond Latur to districts including Nanded, Beed, Parbhani, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, Pune and Nagpur, with separate CBI teams from Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur conducting coordinated operations.
Investigators have also begun questioning a brother-sister duo from Beed after inputs suggested the leaked paper may have been arranged for them. Officials are trying to establish whether they or their family members were in contact with those linked to the racket.
Focus on Financial and Digital Trails
Sources said the CBI is focusing on financial transactions, digital communication trails and the chain through which the paper was allegedly circulated, including the role of intermediaries connecting accused persons with parents.
The case has triggered concern in Maharashtra's coaching and medical education circles, especially in Latur, a major hub for competitive exam preparation.
The CBI had earlier arrested several accused, including P V Kulkarni, as part of its probe into the alleged nationwide leak conspiracy. Further rounds of questioning and possible detentions are expected as the investigation gathers pace.
