The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unveiled a widespread scheme surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The agency’s investigation suggests that the plot spanned several months and involved National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts and an intricate network of coaching operators, brokers, and candidates.
According to the CBI’s chargesheet, the leaked examination material moved through numerous intermediaries before reaching the aspirants. The agency utilized WhatsApp and Telegram conversations, forensic analysis of seized devices, call records, PDFs, and photographs to trace the alleged movement of this confidential information.
Three NTA-appointed subject experts stand accused of exploiting their positions to access confidential examination questions. The CBI emphasized that the breach of information was not a simple matter of one person sharing materials directly with a candidate.
Instead, the investigation reveals an extensive chain: confidential questions allegedly transitioned from subject experts to private operators, further routed through multiple brokers, and finally delivered to willing aspirants.
The CBI has identified several individuals involved in this elaborate scheme, including Shivraj Motegaonkar from Renukai Career Centre, Tejas Harshadkumar Shah from Pune’s Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy, and Dr Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure, owner of Siddhivinayak Hospital.
A significant portion of the CBI’s case relies on data retrieved from mobile phones and electronic devices belonging to the accused. A forensic examination of the phone belonging to accused Yash Yadav allegedly revealed PDF files containing the leaked NEET-UG 2026 questions.
Moreover, the investigation uncovered exchanges on Telegram with a contact named “AP Broker,” who has been identified as co-accused Shubham Madhukar Khairnar. The CBI states that these exchanges occurred prior to the examination, indicating a deeply embedded communication network.
In addition, a phone confiscated from accused Manisha Sanjay Waghmare was said to contain a WhatsApp group titled “NEET 2026.” This group serves as a crucial piece of evidence regarding the channels allegedly used by network members to communicate and distribute the illicit material.
The agency’s investigation yielded further evidence from other accused individuals, revealing chats, photographs, and electronic files that contributed to the larger picture of the scheme. According to the chargesheet, Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhananjay Lokhande, Shubham Madhukar Khairnar, and Yash Yadav acted as links within this distribution chain.
The CBI asserts that this layered approach facilitated the transfer of examination questions from those with privileged access to candidates desperate for an advantage. Utilizing both electronic evidence and witness statements, the agency has meticulously reconstructed the sequence of events detailing the movement of examination material throughout the network.