NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak: In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested another key accused, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, identifying her as the source of the leaked physics questions.
Havaldar, who is currently working at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, was directly involved in the examination process. She had been appointed as an expert by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which granted her access to the question papers.
Havaldar Shared Physics Questions With Co-Accused Manisha Mandhare
According to a report by news agency IANS, during April 2026, Havaldar shared several Physics questions related to the NEET-UG 2026 exam with co-accused Manisha Mandhare. Mandhare was arrested earlier on May 16.
Investigators said that the questions shared by Havaldar tallied those that appeared in the Physics sections of multiple NEET-UG paper sets.
CBI Investigation So Far
Soon after the case came to light in Rajasthan on May 7, the CBI took over the probe. The CBI registered a case on May 12 based on a written complaint by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
Subsequently, special teams were formed, and searches were conducted at several locations across the country, leading to the seizure of multiple incriminating materials, including laptops, mobile phones, bank statements, and documents. Officials stated that a forensic and technical analysis of the seized material is currently underway. Further details are awaited.
11 Accused Arrested So Far
The CBI has arrested 11 accused from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar in connection with the case.
The CBI said that the investigation remains ongoing, reaffirming its commitment of conducting a "comprehensive, impartial and professional" probe into the matter.
(With Inputs From Agencies)