Key Facts
A Delhi court on Monday (June 15, 2026) allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to question three accused in judicial custody in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The court described them as 'prime conspirators' requiring further investigation.
The CBI had filed a plea seeking permission to interrogate Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhanunjay Nivrutti Lokhande, and Shubham Madhukar Khairnar, who are currently in judicial custody.
Details of the Case
According to the CBI plea, the three accused are believed to be the main conspirators who facilitated the leakage and dissemination of NEET-UG 2026 question papers in exchange for monetary consideration before the examination held on May 3, 2026. The plea stated: 'It has been revealed that the [three] accused are the prime conspirators who facilitated the leakage and dissemination of NEET-UG 2026 questions in exchange for monetary consideration before the examination held on May 3.'
Mr. Lokhande and Mr. Khairnar were arrested on May 13, while Ms. Waghmare was arrested the following day. They were subsequently sent to judicial custody. Sources indicate that the CBI will interrogate Ms. Waghmare on June 17, Mr. Lokhande on June 18, and Mr. Khairnar on June 19.
Impact and Further Developments
In a related proceeding, the court extended the judicial custody of nine other accused: Yash Yadav, Mangilal Khatik, Vikash Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Dhananjay Lokhande, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, Manoj Shirure, Tejas Shah, and Shubham Khairnar. They were produced before the court via videoconferencing.
The CBI has arrested a total of 13 individuals in the case, all of whom are currently in judicial custody. The National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the NEET-UG (Undergraduate) exam held on May 3 for medical admissions on May 12, following allegations of a paper leak. A re-examination has been scheduled for June 21, 2026.
What Readers Should Know
- The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case involves multiple accused, with three identified as prime conspirators.
- The CBI is conducting further investigations to uncover the full extent of the leak.
- Candidates affected by the cancellation will appear for a re-exam on June 21, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the three accused the CBI will question in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case?
The three accused are Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, Dhanunjay Nivrutti Lokhande, and Shubham Madhukar Khairnar.
When was the NEET-UG 2026 exam originally held and why was it cancelled?
The exam was held on May 3, 2026, and was cancelled by the National Testing Agency on May 12 due to allegations of a paper leak.
When is the re-exam scheduled?
The re-exam for NEET-UG 2026 is scheduled for June 21, 2026.