- CBI opposed bail for two NEET paper leak accused.
- Agency cited national harm, Rs 600 crore loss.
- Investigation ongoing, more arrests likely in case.
Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: The CBI on Thursday strongly opposed the bail applications filed by two accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case in the special CBI court within the Rouse Avenue Court. The investigating agency told the court that this was not just a case of paper leak, but a crime that damaged the country's reputation and affected the future of millions of students.
The court completed the hearing on the bail plea of Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure and listed the matter for July 22 to pronounce the verdict.
Opposing Shirure's bail plea, the CBI stated that the crime was against the entire nation. According to the agency, the paper leak led to the cancellation of the exam, causing inconvenience to millions of students taking the exam both in India and abroad. The CBI claimed that the incident resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 600 crore to the government treasury, and that several students committed suicide following the controversy.
The CBI also alleged that Shirure transferred the funds he received in the leak deal to his sister's bank account. The agency argued that if the money were legitimate, there would have been no need to transfer it to another account. The CBI told the court that chat records and witness statements also confirm Shirure's active role in the conspiracy.
Shirure's wife is also a doctor and is running a hospital; hence, there is no justification for relief based on health or livelihood.
Arguing for the bail, the defence told the court that the charges against Shirure were based on the statement of co-accused Prahlad Kulkarni. There was no independent incriminating evidence against him, and there was no apprehension of his absconding.
CBI mentions video of Latur coaching director
Meanwhile, the CBI also filed its reply on the bail plea of Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, director of Latur-based RCC Classes.
In its reply filed before Special Judge Ajay Gupta, the CBI stated that Motegaonkar obtained the NEET-UG 2026 Chemistry question paper by paying National Testing Agency (NTA) paper setter Prahlad Kulkarni a sum of Rs 5 lakh. Investigation revealed that he had obtained the questions and answers on April 23, 2026. According to the agency, the leaked question paper was also recovered from his mobile phone.
Special Public Prosecutor Neetu Singh argued that Motegaonkar was actively involved in the paper leak conspiracy. The investigating officer informed the court about a video in which he could be seen instructing students that the questions he provided will appear in the actual exam.
The Rouse Avenue Court has extended the judicial custody of 13 accused till July 24. These include Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, Prahlad Kulkarni, Tejas Shah, Dinesh Bival, Vikas Bival, Mangilal Bival, Yash Yadav, Dr Manoj Shirure, Dhananjay Lokhande, Shubham Khairnar, Manisha Waghmare, Manisha Mandhare and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar.
The CBI told the court that the investigation in the case was still ongoing and some more arrests were likely.