Pune, 13th May 2026: The probe into the suspected NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak has entered a crucial phase, as Pune Police step up efforts to locate a key suspect believed to be involved.
Three specialized police teams are actively pursuing the accused, who is allegedly associated with facilitating multiple college admissions in Pune.
According to police sources, the suspect is believed to have connections with Nashik-based accused Shubham Khairnar. Investigators suspect the man, originally from Ahilyanagar, operated as an admission agent and may have helped multiple students secure admissions in various colleges.
The development comes after investigators received information suggesting that the leaked 'guess paper' may have originated in Pune rather than Nashik, which was initially believed to be the center of the operation. During questioning, an accused detained earlier in Nashik allegedly claimed he had received the leaked material from Pune.
Based on this lead, one individual has reportedly been taken into custody in Pune for further questioning. Police are now examining whether a larger network involving admission agents and intermediaries was active in the alleged paper leak operation.
Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has publicly acknowledged that attempts were made to leak the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper. Officials also revealed that a whistleblower had alerted authorities days before the controversy escalated nationwide.
Defending its decision to cancel NEET-UG 2026, the NTA stated that the action became necessary after evidence indicated that the integrity and sanctity of the examination may have been compromised. Investigations by multiple agencies are currently underway to determine the full extent of the alleged leak network.