The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday announced the arrest of a retired chemistry professor, identified as a key accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, in Latur. The accused, PV Kulkarni, spent over three decades in academia and was associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) as part of the panel that set the question paper. The Times of India had earlier reported that the CBI was investigating individuals involved in preparing the questions.
Details of the Arrest
According to officials, Kulkarni initially attempted to sell the leaked paper locally but later turned to a wider network after failing to convince buyers of its authenticity. In the last week of April, Kulkarni mobilized students with the help of another accused, Manisha Waghmare, and conducted special coaching classes at his residence in Pune. During these classes, Kulkarni allegedly dictated the questions along with the options and correct answers. The CBI confirmed that the questions handwritten by students in their notebooks matched exactly with the actual question paper of the exam held on May 3.
Scope of Investigation
The agency is now examining more people associated with setting the questions. This leak is distinct from previous ones, as earlier probes had detected individuals outside the core chain of access who were part of organized gangs breaching exam integrity at later stages, such as distribution of papers at exam centers. The investigation has also brought coaching institutes under scrutiny. The CBI questioned the director of a Latur-based coaching center with units across Maharashtra, conducted searches at his residence, seized his cellphone, and issued a notice for further questioning at the agency's Pune office.
Information Sought from NTA
The CBI has sought detailed information from the NTA about every stakeholder who had access to the question paper before it was sealed, including question setters, subject experts, and professors on the panel, as well as details of the entire paper preparation process.
Previous Arrests
Kulkarni is the eighth arrest in the case. Waghmare was arrested earlier by the CBI along with six others. Officials stated that Waghmare received money from around 21 bank accounts ahead of the examination. She runs a beauty parlor in Pune and acted as an intermediary for co-accused Dhananjay Lokhande, a BAMS graduate who ran a consultancy in Pune. In New Delhi, special CBI judge Ajay Gupta remanded Lokhande to six days of police custody, with the CBI stating it was necessary to identify NTA officials involved in the paper leak.
