In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Pune-based chemistry lecturer P.V. Kulkarni, accusing him of being the kingpin behind the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The agency has so far arrested eight accused in the case.
According to the agency, investigations revealed that Mr. Kulkarni had access to the question papers as he was allegedly involved in the examination process on behalf of the National Testing Agency (NTA). During the last week of April 2026, he allegedly mobilised students with the help of co-accused Manisha Waghmare, a beauty salon owner who was arrested by the CBI on May 14.
The “kingpin” conducted special coaching classes for the students at his residence in Pune. During these sessions, he allegedly dictated questions, answer options, and correct responses, which students wrote down in their notebooks. The questions reportedly matched exactly with those in the actual NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3, the agency said.
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