One of the accused arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case claimed on Wednesday that influential individuals linked to the racket were being shielded while smaller players were facing action.Accused Makes Explosive Remark Outside CourtThe statement was made when the accused were being escorted out after appearing before a magistrate at his residence in Jaipur late on Wednesday evening amid tight security arrangements.As journalists attempted to question the accused seated inside a vehicle, one of them shouted, “Bade logon ko bachaya jata hai aur aam aadmi ko pareshan kiya jata hai (Bigwigs are being protected while ordinary people are being harassed)", as reported by PTI.The remark has added a fresh dimension to the expanding NEET-UG leak controversy, with investigators already examining whether the network extends beyond the currently arrested individuals and includes more influential figures operating behind the scenes.CBI Arrests Five AccusedThe CBI arrested five individuals in the case on Wednesday. The accused include Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal and Dinesh Biwal from Jaipur, along with Yash Yadav from Gurugram and Shubham Khairnar from Nashik.Following the court proceedings, a CBI official confirmed that the accused were being taken to Delhi on transit remand for further interrogation.Probe Suggests Multi-State NetworkInvestigators suspect the alleged paper leak racket operated across Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra.According to officials, the so-called “guess paper” was allegedly circulated through coaching institute contacts, courier networks and social media platforms before the May 3 NEET-UG examination, which was later cancelled.Rajasthan SOG First Uncovered the CaseThe Rajasthan Special Operations Group, which initially detected the case, reportedly traced the origin of the circulated “guess paper” to a medical student connected to Sikar’s coaching network. The investigation was later handed over to the CBI by the Centre.Sources indicated that investigators suspect the question paper may have originated in Pune before being routed through Nashik and further distributed in Rajasthan and Haryana.Digital Records, Money Trail Under ScannerThe SOG had earlier detained Yash Yadav, a BAMS student from Haryana’s Farrukhnagar region, after conducting raids at his village residence based on technical evidence and intelligence inputs. Officials believe he may have come in contact with members of the alleged racket during his coaching period in Sikar.The CBI is now analysing digital communication records, financial transactions and possible links between coaching institutes and the arrested accused to determine the scale of the alleged leak network and identify any larger operators involved.[With TOI inputs]