NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a formal chargesheet against 13 individuals in connection with the NEET-UG medical entrance examination paper leak case. Submitted before a special court, the document outlines an extensive, organized conspiracy involving examination subject experts, coaching institute operators, and middlemen.
The chargesheet highlights the role of three contract subject matter experts for the National Testing Agency (NTA): Pralhad Vithalrao Kulkarni (Chemistry), Manisha Gurunath Mandhare (Biology), and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar (Physics). Investigators state that these paper-setters leaked questions ahead of the examination in active connivance with intermediaries. Other prominent figures named include Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar (owner of RCC Coaching Institute in Latur), Dr. Manoj Bhagwanrao Shirure (operator of Siddhivinayak Hospital in Latur), and Tejas Harshadkumar Shah (Physics faculty and COO at APMA Coaching Institute in Pune), alongside several alleged middlemen.
The federal probe was initiated following a complaint by the Department of Higher Education regarding irregularities in the May 3 examination. Specialized CBI teams executed searches across 92 locations spanning Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana. To substantiate the prosecution’s case, the agency relies on extensive technical and documentary evidence, citing 360 witnesses, 422 documents, and 43 material objects. Findings are reinforced by digital forensic reports, handwriting expert evaluations, and academic reviews. All 13 accused remain in judicial custody and face rigorous charges under comprehensive provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The CBI noted that forensic analysis and investigations remain open to unearth any wider networks.
