The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday ramped up its probe into the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case and swooped down on five persons involved in the malpractice. The agency also conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations, as the crackdown on exam malpractice widened. 

Notably, the agency had registered a First Information Report (FIR) on May 12, 2026, after receiving a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. In the complaint, the department had flagged grave irregularities in the conduct of the highly competitive pan-India medical entrance exam, triggering a full-scale probe. 

Arrests made from these regions

CBI officials in the know of the developments said that they have so far nabbed five persons; three from Jaipur, one from Gurugram and another from Nashik. They added that additional suspects on their radar are being interrogated at present, as investigators attempt to unravel the broader network allegedly involved in the leak. 

The officials continued by saying that stringent provisions of the law, including criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal breach of trust have been invoked. According to investigators, sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corrupt Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 have also been invoked against the accused. 

Electronic evidence seized during raids

Under the ongoing operation, the agency carried out searches at several premises across the country. During this, officials seized incriminating materials, such as cell phones and other electronic devices believed to hold key evidence linked to the leak. Sources familiar with the development said that the seized gadgets are being subjected to an in-depth forensic examination to trace communication patterns, financial transactions and potential links between the accused and other individuals. 

CBI coordinating with other probe agencies

Notably, the CBI is working in close coordination with Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group (SOG), which had earlier carried out a preliminary inquiry into the incident. The findings of the initial probe are now being incorporated into the central investigation, sources said.