The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday achieved another breakthrough in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case by arresting a doctor based in Maharashtra, who allegedly purchased the leaked exam paper for his son. According to investigators, the leak involved a sprawling interstate syndicate involving coaching operators, middlemen, doctors and parents.
The CBI sleuths have identified the accused as Manoj Shirure, whom they swooped down on, following extensive raids and interrogation in connection with the high-profile exam fraud case.
CBI
Doctor paid Rs 12L for leaked paper
The investigators said that Shirure allegedly purchased the leaked NEET UG 2026 question paper from Shivraj Motegaonkar, founder of the RCC classes in Latur, for as much as Rs 12 lakh before the exam was held on May 3, 2026.
Officials suspect that after laying hands on the paper, the doctor circulated its PDF version to several others by means of Telegram in an attempt to recover the money he had spent.
Upon conducting searches at Shirure’s hospital and other premises linked to him, the CBI officials seized cell phones, digital devices and multiple documents believed to be connected to the alleged racket.
Protests erupted after NEET UG 2026 paper leak
Meanwhile, sources familiar with the probe said the accused doctor could potentially turn into a government witness in the case. The CBI believes his testimony may help expose the wider operational network behind the paper leak.
More doctors under CBI’s radar
On the basis of Shirure’s disclosure, the CBI is now questioning five other doctors based in Nanded, Latur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. As per sources, those under scrutiny include two paediatricians, two gynaecologists and a doctor posted in the outpatient department (OPD) of a government hospital.
Maharashtra, Rajasthan hotspots of paper leak
The probe into the irregularities regarding the pan-India medical entrance exam has now expanded beyond Maharashtra, and agencies suspect that the leaked papers were distributed across at least five states through a coordinated syndicate.
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The CBI officials believe the operation extended into states such as Rajasthan and Bihar through networks involving solver gangs, brokers and intermediaries linked to coaching centres. Sources also claimed that candidates were charged between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for access to leaked papers and related assistance.