The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) extended its probe into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak to Vidarbha, carrying out simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Nagpur and Bramhapuri in Chandrapur district on Monday. The operation targeted students allegedly linked to the scam.
Raids and Seizures
According to sources, the agency conducted searches at two locations in Nagpur — Mangalwari and a locality near Central Avenue. CBI teams reached the residences of students whose names had reportedly emerged during the investigation as beneficiaries of the leaked question paper. The searches lasted nearly five hours at each site. Officials confiscated laptops, mobile phones, iPads, desktop computers, sample question papers, handwritten notes, printed booklets, study materials, and other suspected documents.
Intermediaries and Main Accused
The investigating agency believes the students came into contact with the racket through Manisha Waghmare, a Pune-based beautician arrested earlier in the case. She acted as an intermediary, connecting students and parents with members of the paper leak syndicate. Subsequently, the students allegedly interacted with chemistry lecturer PV Kulkarni, one of the main accused arrested in the case from Pune.
Investigators suspect that select candidates were called to Pune before the examination, where confidential questions and answers were allegedly shared during private sessions. All seized digital devices will now undergo forensic examination. Experts will attempt data extraction and recovery of deleted files, messages, and communications that may reveal links to the larger network behind the paper leak.
Parental Scrutiny and Evidence Collection
During the raids, CBI officials also questioned the parents of the students and recorded their statements. Sources indicated that some parents have now come under the agency's scrutiny as investigators try to establish possible roles and connections. The seized material and recorded statements have been forwarded to CBI headquarters in Delhi for further forensic analysis and detailed examination. No arrests were made during Monday's operation.
Background of the Scandal
The NEET, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) across 551 cities and at 14 overseas centres on May 3, was cancelled after information regarding alleged malpractice was received on May 7. Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered for the test. A retest is scheduled for June 21. The scandal triggered outrage across the country, with students and parents demanding accountability and a fair re-examination. In Maharashtra, especially Vidarbha, the issue has generated concern as a significant number of students from the region appear for medical and dental entrance examinations every year.
Ongoing Investigation
CBI officials remained tight-lipped but confirmed that the raids were based on specific leads generated during the ongoing probe. The agency is expected to analyse call records, WhatsApp chats, financial transactions, and other digital evidence to trace the masterminds behind the alleged paper leak network. Sources indicated that the action in Vidarbha is part of a wider nationwide crackdown, with similar operations reportedly conducted in other states. The controversy has also reached the Supreme Court, where multiple petitions linked to the matter are under consideration. As the probe progresses, more names are likely to emerge, and authorities have appealed to citizens to share any information that could assist the investigation.
