The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended another crucial suspect linked to the dissemination of physics questions in the NEET-UG 2026 exam paper leak incident. The arrested individual, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, was taken into custody after an extensive interrogation by the CBI. Havaldar, currently employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, was reportedly involved in the NEET-UG 2026 examination process as an expert appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Investigators allege that Havaldar shared multiple physics questions from the NEET-UG 2026 exam with co-accused Manisha Mandhare in April. The questions shared by Havaldar were found to match those that appeared in various sets of the NEET-UG 2026 papers, indicating her significant role in the leak. The CBI also conducted searches at various locations nationwide, seizing incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements, and mobile phones during the raids.
Following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, the CBI registered a case on May 12 concerning the leak of NEET-UG 2026 exam papers. Subsequently, the agency formed specialized teams and carried out coordinated searches across multiple states, detaining and questioning several suspects to trace the leak’s origins and network. With this recent arrest, the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with the case has now reached 11, with arrests made in various cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar.
The investigation has exposed a wider network of middlemen and facilitators allegedly involved in mobilizing students willing to pay substantial amounts for leaked questions through exclusive coaching sessions before the exam. The CBI continues its efforts to identify all individuals involved in the conspiracy and unravel the complete chain of the paper leak racket, emphasizing its commitment to conducting a thorough and unbiased investigation.
