The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has expanded its investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case and conducted raids at three locations linked to students from Nagpur and Chandrapur district who are suspected to have received leaked exam papers through a Pune-based network. According to sources, CBI teams searched two houses in Nagpur - one in the Central Avenue area and another in Itwari - besides a residence in Brahmapuri town of Chandrapur district. The three students had appeared for this year’s NEET-UG examination and reportedly came under the scanner after their names surfaced during the investigation into the wider interstate racket. During the searches, officials seized mobile phones, laptops, handwritten notes, documents and other digital devices believed to be connected to the case. Investigators are now analysing the electronic data and financial records to understand the exact role of the students and whether they directly benefited from the alleged leak.

 

Sources said all three students were repeaters preparing for NEET through coaching institutes and allegedly had links with members of the Pune network. Investigators suspect the question paper was arranged for them after a deal worth nearly Rs 15 lakh per candidate. The students are believed to have come in contact with the network through Manisha Waghmare, a Pune-based beauty parlour operator who has already been arrested in the case. According to the CBI, Waghmare acted as a middlewoman and connected students and parents willing to pay large sums with members of the leak syndicate.

 

Investigators further suspect that the students were later introduced to Pune-based chemistry lecturer P V Kulkarni, who is considered one of the key accused in the scam. Kulkarni was reportedly associated with the National Testing Agency’s examination process and is accused of misusing his access to confidential NEET papers. Pune connection of students CBI officials claim that selected candidates were called to Pune before the examination and attended private sessions allegedly held at Kulkarni’s residence. During these sessions, students were reportedly asked to write down questions, answer options and important topics in notebooks. Investigators believe several of those questions later appeared in the actual examination.

 

The agency is also examining the role of WhatsApp groups and digital communication channels allegedly used to circulate leaked content. Sources said the racket operated through coaching contacts, middlemen, courier deliveries and cash transactions spread across different states. Although incriminating material has been recovered during the raids, the students have not been arrested so far. Officials said the investigation is still at a crucial stage, and forensic analysis of the seized devices, along with scrutiny of bank transactions and call records, is currently underway.