Fresh details have surfaced in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation, with the CBI reportedly uncovering what it believes to be a well-organised interstate racket involving doctors, coaching institute operators, brokers, parents and students.
The investigation took a major turn after the arrest of Latur-based paediatrician Dr Manoj Shirure, who is accused of purchasing the leaked NEET question paper for his son ahead of the May 3 examination. According to investigators, Shirure allegedly procured the paper from Shivraj Motegaonkar, founder of RCC Classes in Latur, for nearly Rs 12 lakh. Agencies claim that he later circulated the leaked PDF through Telegram to recover part of the amount spent.
Sources said the CBI conducted raids at Shirure’s hospital and multiple other premises in Latur, during which mobile phones, digital devices and important documents were seized. Officials reportedly questioned the doctor for several hours as part of the probe.
Investigators now believe Shirure could become a crucial government witness in the case. Agencies are hoping his testimony may help expose the entire operational network behind the alleged paper leak syndicate before the court.
Based on leads emerging from the interrogation, the CBI is also reportedly questioning at least five more doctors from Latur, Nanded and Sambhajinagar. Those under scrutiny reportedly include two paediatricians, two gynaecologists and a doctor attached to the OPD section of a government hospital.
Parents and Students Under Investigation
The arrest of Shirure is being seen as the first instance of a parent being taken into custody in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.
According to sources, investigators suspect that several parents allegedly paid between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh to retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni and coaching operator Shivraj Motegaonkar to obtain leaked question papers for their children.
Agencies are now examining the possible involvement of multiple students and parents across Maharashtra who may have benefited from the leaked examination material.
Deleted Digital Evidence Retrieved
The CBI’s forensic teams have reportedly recovered deleted digital evidence linked to the alleged racket. Investigators claimed that several files and communication records were deleted from mobile phones after the examination, but technical experts successfully retrieved the data.
Sources said the leaked questions were initially memorised manually before being converted into PDF files and circulated through Telegram channels and mobile messaging platforms.
Maharashtra, Rajasthan Under Scanner
Investigators believe the leaked papers were circulated across at least five states through a carefully coordinated network. Agencies now suspect the operation was run by an organised interstate syndicate rather than a single isolated gang.
According to sources, the network may have extended into Rajasthan, Bihar and other states through solver gangs, coaching-linked middlemen and brokers.
Officials alleged that candidates were charged anywhere between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for access to leaked papers and related arrangements.
The investigation has also revealed the sophisticated methods allegedly used by the accused. Instead of directly approaching candidates, the syndicate reportedly relied on local middlemen to coordinate operations. On the night before the examination, students were allegedly gathered at secret locations, including hotels and farmhouses, where leaked material was distributed.
Following the latest revelations, central agencies have intensified raids and financial investigations linked to the accused. Several coaching institutes, examination officials and education department personnel in Maharashtra and Rajasthan are now under scrutiny as investigators attempt to uncover the full scale of the alleged network.
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