Two Arrested in Expanding NEET Paper Leak Probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended Manoj Shirure, a Latur doctor, and Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a physics teacher in Pune, as part of the expanding NEET UG paper leak probe. The CBI officials disclosed on Wednesday that the arrests were made due to their significant involvement in facilitating leaked exam questions.

Shirure was allegedly instrumental in acquiring chemistry questions for three students, including the son of a Latur-based coaching institute head, from NEET paper setter P V Kulkarni. Shah is accused of receiving leaked physics questions via arrested associate Manisha Havaldar. With these arrests, the total number has climbed to 13.

The investigation, seeking to uncover the conspiracy and chain involved in the paper leak, has led to searches at 49 locations, yielding numerous documents and electronic devices. The NEET exam, initially held on May 3, was annulled due to the leak allegations, with a new date set for June 21. On May 12, the CBI registered a case following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education.

Special teams have been mobilised to investigate the case and secure arrests across several cities, resulting in a broad legal crackdown. The NEET was originally conducted in over 550 Indian cities and international centres, aimed at capacitating nearly 23 lakh candidates. The NTA initiated the inquiry upon receiving reports of malpractice on May 7, later transferring the matter to central agencies for thorough validation and further action.

(With inputs from agencies.)