NEET 2026 Paper Leak Probe Deepens: Latur Link Emerges, Top Doctors Under CBI Scanner

New Delhi: In the NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)  on Monday has expanded its probe and started questioning some prominent doctors in the Latur district. Maharashtra's Latur connection in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case is widening. 

Where is the CBI investigating?

The investigation into the network of agents and alleged paper buyers in Pune, Latur, Nanded, and Sambhajinagar has been intensified. Sources indicate that those suspected of purchasing the paper have been summoned by the CBI to Pune for questioning. The CBI team has been camped in Latur for the fourth consecutive day, continuing its investigation. Currently, several prominent names are expected to emerge in this case.

Major action in Pune and Latur

The CBI team is currently conducting raids in Pune, Latur, and other locations in Maharashtra in connection with the NEET paper leak case. The team is keeping a special eye on Pune and Latur. About two days ago, the CBI arrested Manisha Waghmare, a beauty parlor owner, from the Sukhsagar Nagar area of ​​Pune. Waghmare is accused of acting as a middleman for Dhananjay.

The investigation revealed that money was transferred to Waghmare from nearly two dozen bank accounts before the exam. Based on this, Waghmare was arrested. It is being reported that several prominent doctors from Pune and Latur are also involved in this scandal, and the CBI may now summon them for questioning.

Possibility of paper leak during translation?

Additionally, the retired professor detained in Latur was associated with Dayanand Sagar College. According to sources, this professor was part of the translation panel that translated the question paper into Marathi. NEET is conducted in 13 languages, so strict confidentiality must be maintained during the translation process, but this is where the leak is suspected. It is believed that the professor leaked the paper while translating it. However, the CBI is currently interrogating several such professors in custody.

What is the Latur case?

Latur is known as a hub for coaching institutes. Many renowned doctors also run hospitals and clinics there. The CBI team has begun cracking down on these as well. This entire syndicate was busted in Latur, Maharashtra. A coaching institute's mock test suddenly included 42 questions that were supposed to appear in the actual NEET exam paper, which was to be held just two days later. When the actual paper appeared on exam day, some  parents became alarmed. They immediately reported the matter to the local police. Given the seriousness of the matter and its interstate connections, the case was immediately handed over to the CBI. The CBI is now investigating the relationship between the coaching institute and the arrested professor.

Who are arrested?

Dinesh Bival, one of the three persons arrested in Rajasthan, is accused of scanning a hard copy of the leaked exam paper and sharing it digitally. Bival allegedly obtained the paper from Yash Yadav of Gurgaon. He first gave it to his son, Rishi Bival and later sold it to other students in Sikar district.

In the NEET paper leak case, Professor PV Kulkarni is a retired chemistry professor from Latur and the main mastermind, having access to the question paper panel. Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a senior botany lecturer from Pune and an NTA expert, is believed to be the mastermind of the conspiracy. Manisha Waghmare is a beauty salon owner from Pune who was involved in mobilizing candidates and managing secret classes. Mangilal Biwal is a resident of Jaipur, who is accused of obtaining and distributing the leaked paper.

Vikas Biwal, Mangilal's son and a medical student, helped orchestrate this illegal operation. Dinesh Biwal, Mangilal's brother, handled the financial transactions. Yash Yadav, a resident of Gurugram, is the main middleman who delivered the leaked question paper to the Biwal family. Shubham Khairnaar, a resident of Nashik, is suspected of being the first to circulate the leaked or guessed question paper. Dhananjay Lokhande, an Ayurveda doctor from Ahilyanagar, was detained for his involvement in the case.