NEET Paper Leak: CBI To Turn Latur Coaching Owner’s Son, Who Appeared For Exam, Into ‘Star Witness’
NEET Paper Leak: CBI To Turn Latur Coaching Owner’s Son, Who Appeared For Exam, Into ‘Star Witness’ Published By, Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 09:36
NEET Paper Leak: CBI To Turn Latur Coaching Owner’s Son, Who Appeared For Exam, Into ‘Star Witness’ Published By, Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 09:36 IST The CBI is also considering making a Latur-based paediatrician a witness in the case. The doctor is accused of purchasing the leaked question paper for his son. Rapid Read An aspirant revises from notes before appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 examination. (File pic/PTI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is planning a major move in the NEET-UG paper leak investigation by likely turning the minor son of a coaching institute founder in Latur into a “star witness" in the case, said an Indian Express report. The development comes days after the agency arrested the founder of the coaching institute in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET-UG examination paper. According to sources quoted in report, the student, who also appeared for the NEET-UG exam held on May 3, allegedly admitted during questioning that his father had arranged the question paper for him around 10 days before the examination.
Investigators said the student reportedly received questions related to Physics, Chemistry and Biology in advance. The CBI is also considering making a Latur-based paediatrician a witness in the case. The doctor is accused of purchasing the leaked question paper for his son. Officials said the agency is currently seeking legal opinion regarding turning both individuals into “star witnesses" while also verifying their statements through documentary and digital evidence. Leaked questions found on phone In its remand application before a Delhi court, the CBI stated that leaked NEET questions were found on the mobile phone of the coaching institute founder. According to the agency, the accused distributed copies of leaked question papers and answer sheets to several people. The CBI also informed the court about a video allegedly showing the coaching institute founder speaking at his centre and claiming that the questions he had provided to students appeared in the final examination paper. Investigators are also examining his alleged links with co-accused Prahlad Kulkarni.
Many including teachers arrested in the case Kulkarni, a retired Chemistry teacher, was earlier arrested from Pune. According to investigators, he was previously associated with the Testing Agency. The CBI has also arrested two teachers – Manisha Mandhare and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar. Mandhare and another accused, Pune-based beautician Manisha Waghmare, were living in the same residential society. Investigators alleged that Mandhare and Havaldar were closely connected as both had been appointed by the NTA as experts. According to the CBI probe, each accused allegedly handled different sections of the question paper. Officials claimed Havaldar leaked the Physics questions, while Kulkarni allegedly leaked the Chemistry section. Mandhare is accused of leaking Botany and Zoology questions. Investigators also alleged that Mandhare was involved not only in preparing the paper but also in translating it. Kulkarni too was allegedly involved in translating the question paper into Marathi. The agency has further alleged that Waghmare worked as a scout to identify suitable students and was linked to Kulkarni.
The CBI is continuing to examine digital evidence, statements and links between the accused persons as the investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak widens. The agency is now focusing on corroborating admissions made during questioning with electronic records and other supporting material as it prepares the next stage of the case. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Delhi, India, India First Published: May 27, 2026, 09:36 IST News india NEET Paper Leak: CBI To Turn Latur Coaching Owner’s Son, Who Appeared For Exam, Into ‘Star Witness’ Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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