NEET Paper Leak – CBI Arrests Pune Botany Expert in Expanding Probe
NEET Paper Leak – The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Botany teacher from Pune in connection with the alleged NEET-UG Biology paper leak case, widening its ongoing investigation into the examination malpractice network.
The accused, identified as Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, was taken into custody in Delhi after several rounds of questioning by the CBI. According to investigators, she was associated with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) process after being appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency.
Investigation Points to Coaching Network
The probe agency stated that Mandhare allegedly became involved with NEET aspirants through another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who had already been arrested earlier in the investigation. Officials claim that special coaching sessions were conducted for selected students at Mandhare’s residence in Pune during April.
During these sessions, students were reportedly given important questions related to Botany and Zoology. Investigators alleged that the students were instructed to write down the questions in notebooks and highlight them in textbooks for preparation purposes.
According to the CBI, many of the questions discussed during the classes closely matched the Biology section of the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3, 2026.
Multiple Raids Conducted Across India
The agency also confirmed that raids were carried out at six different locations across the country within the last 24 hours as part of the investigation. Officials recovered several electronic devices and documents, including laptops, mobile phones, bank records and other materials believed to be connected to the case.
A forensic and financial analysis of the seized evidence is currently underway. Investigators are examining communication records and financial transactions to determine the extent of the alleged leak operation.
Total Arrests Reach Nine
With the latest arrest, the number of accused individuals held in the case has increased to nine. The suspects are reportedly linked to several cities, including Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik and Ahilyanagar.
The CBI stated that five of the arrested individuals are currently in police custody for seven days, while two suspects arrested in Pune are being transported to Delhi for further interrogation. Other accused persons are also being questioned as investigators continue to trace the wider network involved in the case.
CBI Identifies Alleged Source of Leak
Investigators claim they have identified both the alleged source of the leaked Chemistry and Biology papers and the intermediaries who contacted students seeking access to the exam material.
According to officials, candidates were allegedly charged large amounts of money to attend exclusive coaching sessions where questions expected in the NEET-UG examination were discussed in advance.
The CBI recently announced the arrest of PV Kulkarni, described by investigators as a key figure in the alleged paper leak network. Kulkarni worked as a Chemistry lecturer and was reportedly associated with the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency.
Officials allege that he had access to confidential NEET-UG 2026 examination papers.
Special Sessions Under Scanner
The investigation has revealed that during the final week of April, Kulkarni and Manisha Waghmare allegedly organised private coaching sessions for a select group of students at Kulkarni’s residence in Pune.
The CBI stated that during these sessions, students were allegedly dictated questions along with answer options and correct responses. Investigators claim that handwritten notes prepared by students during these classes matched the actual Chemistry paper used in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Authorities are continuing to investigate whether more individuals connected to the examination process or coaching network were involved in the leak.
Case Registered After Government Complaint
The case was officially registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation on May 12 following a complaint filed by the Department of Higher Education under the Union Education Ministry.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials attempt to uncover the full scope of the alleged examination leak and identify all those connected to the operation.