NEW DELHI / PUNE: In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 irregularities, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a prominent chemistry professor from Pune, identifying him as the central kingpin behind the nationwide question paper leak scandal.
According to CBI sources, the accused professor operated a sophisticated network that allegedly leaked the highly confidential medical entrance examination question papers ahead of the exam. The professor allegedly leveraged his academic position, access to student networks, and coaching institute connections to distribute the leaked papers in exchange for exorbitant amounts of money from aspirants and their parents.
The CBI tracking team had been analyzing digital footprints, bank account transactions, and interrogated several middlemen previously arrested from various parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra before closing in on the Pune academician. Incriminating documents, digital devices, and financial ledgers detailing transactions worth crores of rupees were seized during raids at his residence and coaching facilities.
“He wasn’t just a part of the network; he was running the core operation of sourcing and distributing the papers,” a senior CBI official stated. The agency is currently investigating if any internal officials from the testing agencies or printing presses were colluding with the professor. He has been remanded to CBI custody for further interrogation to unearth the deeper roots of the conspiracy.
