The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two more accused in connection with the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, taking the total number of arrests in the matter to 13.
According to the agency, one of the arrested accused is Dr Manoj Shirure, a doctor based in Latur, Maharashtra. Investigators alleged that he played a key role in helping three students obtain leaked Chemistry questions before the NEET UG 2026 examination. Among the beneficiaries was reportedly the son of a coaching centre owner already under investigation in the case.
The second accused, identified as Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, is a Physics faculty member at Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA), a Pune-based coaching institute. The CBI alleged that Shah received leaked Physics questions from another arrested accused, Manisha Havaldar.
A Delhi court on Wednesday sent both the accused to five days of CBI custody, saying custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the alleged paper leak. Special Judge Vidya Prakash allowed the agency’s plea seeking police custody of paediatrician Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure and Physics teacher Tejas Harshad Kumar Shah for further questioning. Both accused will now be produced before the court on June 1.
During the hearing, Special Public Prosecutor V K Pathak described Shirure as an “active conspirator” in the organised crime related to the paper leak. The prosecution also alleged that Shah did not cooperate during the investigation and failed to disclose how the leaked Physics questions and notes were used.
Also read | SSC Denies Paper Leak, Disruptions After Kanpur Exam Chaos
The agency said investigations are ongoing to trace the wider conspiracy and uncover the complete chain involved in the paper leak. So far, the CBI has conducted searches at 49 locations across the country and seized several incriminating documents, laptops and mobile phones. Detailed forensic and technical analysis of the seized material is currently underway.
The CBI had registered the case on May 12, 2026, following a written complaint by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET UG 2026 examination.
Following the registration of the case, the agency constituted multiple special investigation teams and carried out raids at several locations nationwide. Officials said a number of suspects were detained and questioned during the course of the investigation.
According to the CBI, the investigation has so far revealed the “actual source” of the leak involving Chemistry, Biology and Physics question papers that were allegedly circulated before the examination.
The 13 accused arrested till now are from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur and Ahilyanagar, the agency said.
The CBI added that further investigation is continuing with multiple teams working simultaneously to identify all individuals involved in the alleged examination malpractice network.