The CBI alleges three NTA-appointed subject experts accessed confidential papers and passed them through a network of coaching operators, brokers and candidates
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has described the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak as a multi-state criminal conspiracy involving NTA subject experts, coaching operators, brokers, intermediaries and candidates.
The agency has filed a chargesheet before the Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue, naming 13 accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prevention of Corruption Act and Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
According to the chargesheet, three NTA-appointed subject experts, Botany expert Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Chemistry expert Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni and Physics expert Manisha Sanjay Havalda, allegedly misused their official positions to access confidential question papers before the examination and pass them to members of the alleged syndicate.
The CBI said the papers were subsequently circulated through a network of intermediaries using Telegram and WhatsApp, with investigators recovering PDFs, images, chat records and other digital evidence from seized devices.
The alleged chain involved multiple accused across different locations. The CBI claims one accused obtained the papers for Rs 25 lakh, while another candidate and her father were allegedly offered access to the question paper for Rs 4 lakh, along with coaching support.
Investigators said searches also recovered documents allegedly provided as security for transactions, including educational certificates and a signed blank cheque. The agency said forensic analysis of mobile phones, pen drives and other devices, along with witness statements and recovered documents, helped reconstruct the alleged circulation network.
The chargesheet will now be considered by the Special CBI Court, which will decide whether to take cognisance of the case.
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