Pune Chemistry Lecturer Arrested for NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak

New Delhi (IANS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a key suspect in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case after tracing the original source of the Chemistry question paper leak.

The Modus Operandi

The agency identified the accused as P.V. Kulkarni, a Chemistry lecturer who worked with the National Testing Agency (NTA). Leveraging his access to confidential materials, Kulkarni allegedly organized secret coaching sessions at his Pune residence during the last week of April.

According to investigators, Kulkarni dictated specific questions, multiple-choice options, and answers to a select group of students. These students transcribed the data into notebooks, which forensic analysis later proved to be an exact match for the official Chemistry paper used in the May 3 examination.

Expanding the Investigation

The CBI believes another accused, Manisha Waghmare—arrested on May 14—helped mobilize the students. Following Kulkarni’s arrest in Pune, CBI teams launched nationwide raids, seizing incriminating documents, mobile phones, and electronic gadgets.

The investigation has led to seven arrests across Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. While five suspects are already in seven-day police custody, Kulkarni and the most recent detainees will appear before a Pune court for transit remand before being moved to Delhi.

Case Background

The CBI took over the case on May 12 following a formal complaint from the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education. Officials stated that while they have exposed the source of the Chemistry paper leak, they are still investigating the middlemen who charged students lakhs of rupees to attend these illicit “coaching classes.” The probe remains active as technical analysis of seized materials continues.