Pune, 16th May 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the alleged kingpin behind the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile investigation linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA) examination.
The accused, identified as P. V. Kulkarni, is a chemistry professor originally from Latur and was arrested from Pune after detailed questioning by the agency.
According to investigators, Kulkarni had access to confidential examination material as he was associated with the examination process conducted on behalf of the NTA.
The probe has revealed that in the last week of April 2026, Kulkarni allegedly organized special sessions for selected students with the help of co-accused Manisha Waghmare, who was arrested earlier on May 14. During these sessions held at his residence in Pune, he reportedly dictated examination questions, answer options and correct answers to students.
CBI officials said the handwritten notes prepared by students during those sessions matched exactly with the actual NEET-UG examination paper conducted on May 3, 2026. Investigators believe the leaked material was circulated in exchange for large sums of money collected through middlemen.
Over the last 24 hours, the agency has conducted raids at multiple locations across the country and seized several documents, mobile phones and electronic devices.
These materials are currently being examined through forensic and technical analysis, with officials suspecting the involvement of a wider network.
The case was officially registered by the CBI on May 12, 2026, following a complaint from the Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education. So far, seven accused have been arrested from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune and Ahilyanagar in connection with the case.
Five of the accused have been sent to seven days of police custody. Meanwhile, Manisha Waghmare and two other accused were produced before a Pune court for transit remand and are expected to be shifted to Delhi for further investigation.
CBI has stated that the investigation is being carried out in a transparent and professional manner and that efforts are underway to identify all individuals linked to the paper leak operation.
Officials believe the data recovered from seized digital devices could expose an even larger examination fraud network.
