Tuesday, 19th May 2026: In a major development in the nationwide NEET paper leak investigation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested Prof. Shivraj Motegaonkar, director of the well-known RCC Classes coaching institute in Latur. The arrest came after an extensive round of questioning and searches conducted at his office and residence.
According to CBI officials, investigators recovered chemistry-related question papers and study material during the raids. The agency claims that several questions found in the seized material matched those that appeared in the NEET examination conducted on May 3.
Following the discovery, the CBI concluded that Motegaonkar was directly linked to the paper leak operation and placed him under arrest. Officials also seized important documents, laptops and mobile phones during the search operation.
After his arrest, Motegaonkar was produced before the special CBI court in Pune. The court granted the agency nine days of custody for further interrogation.
The CBI has also secured transit remand and is expected to take Motegaonkar to its Delhi office as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials believe the case has links across multiple states and involves several individuals connected to the examination process.
Investigators have already arrested another key accused, Prof. P. V. Kulkarni from Latur, who is suspected to be one of the main conspirators in the case. Preliminary findings suggest that Kulkarni had direct links with the examination system.
The CBI has conducted raids in several cities including Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar and Latur. During these operations, the agency seized electronic devices, mobile phones and important documents connected to the alleged leak network.
So far, ten accused have been arrested in connection with the case, and questioning of all suspects is currently underway.
Earlier, the CBI had also arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a biology teacher from a reputed college, for her alleged involvement in the exam leak. A Delhi special court had sent her to 14 days of CBI custody.
According to investigators, Mandhare was linked to the botany and zoology sections of the examination process. The probe later revealed that she had allegedly guided students and shared answers during a meeting arranged at the residence of Bibwewadi-based beauty parlour owner Manisha Waghmare, who was also arrested earlier in the case.
Another accused, Dhananjay Lokhande from Rahuri in Ahilyanagar district, has also been taken into custody as the investigation continues to uncover deeper links in the nationwide NEET paper leak network.
