NEET paper leak case: CBI arrests alleged mastermind from Maharashtra

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the alleged mastermind in the NEET exam paper leak case. The accused has been identified as P V Kulkarni, a chemistry teacher from Latur in Maharashtra. According to the CBI, Kulkarni was involved in the examination process for the National Testing Agency and had authorised access to handle the NEET question papers. Officials said he had been a member of the panel responsible for preparing question papers for several years.

The agency said Kulkarni had conducted special coaching classes for students at his residence in Pune in late April. The CBI also stated that he received assistance from another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who had been arrested earlier in the case.

Investigators found that the questions, answer options and correct answers shared during these classes closely matched the actual NEET examination paper.

The CBI uncovered Kulkarni's alleged involvement after conducting raids at multiple locations across the country. During the raids, officials seized several electronic devices, which are currently undergoing forensic examination.

The CBI registered the case on May 12 following a complaint from the Union Education Ministry and began an investigation through a special team. Earlier, on May 14, the agency arrested seven people from Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik and Pune in connection with the case. Five of them were produced before a court and remanded to seven days in custody. The remaining two accused are expected to be produced before the court soon.