NEET Leak Probe: CBI Arrests Key Accused Linked to Physics Paper Leak in Pune

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday arrested another alleged key conspirator in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, intensifying its probe into the nationwide examination scandal that forced the cancellation of this year’s medical entrance test.

The accused, identified as Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, was arrested from Pune for her alleged involvement in leaking portions of the Physics question paper ahead of the examination.

According to the CBI, Havaldar was employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune and had been appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as a subject expert associated with the NEET-UG examination process. Investigators believe she had direct access to confidential Physics question papers and allegedly shared several questions with another accused already under arrest in the case.

Officials said the leaked questions were circulated in April 2026 and later matched with content that appeared in the final NEET-UG 2026 Physics paper sets, strengthening the agency’s suspicion of a coordinated leak network operating across multiple locations.

In a statement, the CBI said searches were conducted at different premises across the country, during which investigators seized laptops, mobile phones, bank records and other incriminating documents. The agency added that forensic and digital analysis of the recovered material is currently underway to establish the wider conspiracy and trace the movement of leaked content.

With Havaldar’s arrest, the total number of accused arrested in the case has risen to 11 so far.

The investigation has already uncovered links involving subject experts and individuals associated with the examination system. Earlier this month, the CBI arrested Manisha Mandhare, a Biology expert from Pune’s Modern College of Arts, over her alleged role in leaking Botany and Zoology-related content connected to NEET-UG 2026.

The paper leak controversy triggered nationwide outrage after allegations emerged that confidential examination material had been circulated before the test held on May 3. Amid mounting criticism and concerns over the integrity of the examination process, the National Testing Agency cancelled NEET-UG 2026 on May 12.

A fresh examination for medical aspirants is now scheduled to be conducted on June 21 while the CBI continues its investigation into the suspected leak network and possible involvement of additional individuals.