The CBI produced PV Kulkarni and Manisha Waghmare, both arrested in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, before the special judge’s court at Rouse Avenue and sought 14-day police custody. The court has reserved its order and will pronounce the decision soon. The agency alleged that both accused were in continuous contact and linked to a wider paper leak network.
During the hearing, the CBI argued that PV Kulkarni, a chemistry professor, is the main conspirator in the case. It told the court that both accused have connections across multiple states, making it necessary to take them to different locations for further interrogation to trace the wider network.
The agency further said that the investigation is still at a crucial and early stage. According to the CBI, detailed custodial interrogation is required to uncover the full extent of the paper leak syndicate, its associates, and the digital evidence involved.
Manisha Waghmare’s counsel opposed the CBI’s custody plea, questioning the legality of the arrest procedure. The defence argued that Pune Police had detained her for more than 24 hours, which was unlawful, and claimed there was no substantial evidence apart from statements. It also said her mobile phone was already with the CBI, making further custody unnecessary.
ALSO READ: Recruiter Rejects Candidate Over 600m Distance From Previous Office; Viral Email Sparks Debate
The lawyer representing PV Kulkarni argued that his client had only prepared and submitted questions and was not aware whether the NTA had included them in the final paper. The defence maintained that question preparation alone does not establish involvement in the leak.
However, the CBI rejected these claims, stating that Manisha Waghmare was arrested on May 14 and later placed on transit remand the next day, asserting that all procedures were followed as per law.