NEET leak conspiracy widens: CBI seeks 7-day custody of four accused

The alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak has escalated into a nationwide scandal, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovering what investigators describe as a sophisticated multi-state network that circulated leaked question papers through social media platforms before India’s biggest medical entrance examination. The controversy has triggered outrage among students and parents, forced the cancellation of the examination attended by over 22 lakh aspirants , and reignited concerns over the credibility of the country’s competitive exam system.

The CBI has sought seven days’ police custody of four accused arrested from Jaipur Yash Yadav , Mangilal Khatik alias Mangilal Biwal , Vikash Biwal , and Dinesh Biwal claiming the examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3 was compromised through leaked PDFs circulated via Telegram , WhatsApp and Instagram.

According to the remand application filed before Special Judge (CBI) Ajay Gupta , the investigation began after Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group (SOG) reportedly verified that several questions in a “guess paper” matched the actual examination. The Centre subsequently transferred the probe to the CBI after the NTA cancelled the examination on May 12.

Investigators alleged that in April 2026, a Nashik-based individual identified as Shubham informed Yash Yadav that Mangilal wanted leaked NEET papers for his younger son in exchange for ₹10–12 lakh. The CBI claimed Yash Yadav later circulated leaked Physics, Chemistry and Biology question papers in PDF format on April 29.

The agency alleged that Mangilal received the papers as part of a ₹10 lakh deal and distributed printed copies among selected aspirants, including his son Aman Biwal , relatives and acquaintances. Investigators also claimed that Vikash Biwal shared candidate details with Yadav through WhatsApp and Instagram to facilitate the circulation network.

The probe has now widened across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana and Delhi, with multiple raids and additional arrests. Investigators suspect the existence of a larger “solver gang” network involving middlemen, coaching links and possible insider assistance.

The CBI told the court that incriminating chats, leaked papers, financial records and electronic evidence recovered from mobile phones are undergoing forensic analysis. The agency is also probing the possible involvement of public servants and NTA-linked officials while tracing the source of the leak and wider financial trail behind the scandal.