Photo: IANS
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded that the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak was orchestrated through a sophisticated, multi-state criminal conspiracy in which National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts allegedly leaked confidential examination questions that were then circulated through a network of coaching operators, brokers and intermediaries to candidates in exchange for substantial payments.
In a chargesheet filed before the Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue, the agency named 13 individuals, including three NTA-appointed subject experts, coaching operators, brokers and candidates. They have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, The New Indian Express reported.
According to the CBI, the conspiracy began with three NTA subject experts—Manisha Gurunath Mandhare (Botany), Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni (Chemistry) and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar (Physics). According to investigators, the three used their official access to obtain confidential NEET-UG 2026 question papers before the examination and passed them on to members of the alleged syndicate.
The agency alleged that the leaked papers were subsequently distributed through a structured network involving Tejas Shah, Shivraj Motegaonkar, Dr Manoj Shirure, Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhananjay Lokhande, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar, Yash Yadav, Mangilal Biwal, Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal, each of whom allegedly played specific roles in circulating the papers and facilitating payments.
The CBI stated that confidential question papers were shared in PDF and image formats through encrypted messaging platforms, including Telegram and WhatsApp, several days before the examination. It said forensic analysis of seized mobile phones, pen drives and other electronic devices uncovered digital evidence tracing the movement of the leaked papers across multiple accused.
Investigators claimed to have reconstructed the chain of circulation, alleging that Mangilal Biwal received the leaked questions via Telegram from Yash Yadav. According to the chargesheet, Biwal handed over his original Class X and XII certificates along with a signed blank cheque to one of Yadav's associates as security for the transaction. The agency said these documents were later recovered during searches.
The CBI further alleged that Yash Yadav obtained the leaked papers from Nashik-based accused Shubham Madhukar Khairnar. It said forensic examination of Yadav's mobile phone revealed chats with a contact saved as "AP Broker", identified as Khairnar, along with PDF files containing the leaked NEET question papers.
According to the agency, Khairnar procured the leaked papers from Dhananjay Lokhande in a deal allegedly worth ₹25 lakh. During interrogation, Khairnar is said to have disclosed details of the alleged financial arrangement.
The investigation also alleged that Lokhande received the leaked papers from Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, who allegedly arranged for physical copies of the question papers to be delivered through intermediaries.
The CBI said it had also recorded statements from candidates during the investigation.
Maintaining that the forensic examination of electronic devices, recovered documents, chat records and witness statements collectively established the alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of official position by public servants and the illegal circulation of confidential examination material before the NEET-UG 2026 examination, the agency submitted the chargesheet before the Special CBI Court. The court will now examine the material on record and decide whether to take cognisance of the case.