NEET-UG paper leak case: Court grants CBI seven days to file supplementary chargesheet
A Delhi court has granted the CBI seven days to file a supplementary chargesheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation.
In a significant development regarding the NEET-UG paper leak case, a Rouse Avenue Court has granted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) an additional seven days to submit a supplementary chargesheet. Special Judge Ajay Gupta issued this directive on Wednesday, scheduling the next hearing for October 7.
Ongoing Judicial Proceedings
The special fast-track court is currently presiding over arguments concerning the framing of charges against 13 individuals already named in a previous CBI chargesheet. The agency had previously submitted a massive 20,000-page document, citing approximately 360 witnesses, which the court has already taken formal cognisance of.
The group of accused individuals named in the initial investigation includes:
- Manisha Mandhare
- Manisha Sanjay Hawaldar
- Manisha Waghmare
- Pralhad Kulkarni
- Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar
- Dr Manoj Shirure
- Tejas Harshad Shah
- Shubham Madhukar Khairnar
- Dhananjay Lokhande
- Yash Yadav
- Mangilal Biwal
- Dinesh Biwal
- Vikas Biwal
The Modus Operandi: How the Leak Occurred
According to the CBI's findings, the breach was highly organized. The agency alleges that leaked questions were extracted during the sensitive stages of question-paper preparation and translation. These questions were then circulated through various channels—including handwritten notes, photographs, and messaging platforms—prior to the examination held on May 3, 2026.
The investigation has revealed a complex network involving subject matter experts, intermediaries, and coaching institute operators. To trace the circulation of these documents, investigators relied heavily on forensic analysis of mobile phones, recovered deleted WhatsApp chats, and PDF files.
Focus on Key Suspects and Digital Evidence
The court is also managing the case of Sheshrav Bajrang Suryavanshi, also known as Raj Suryavanshi. Arrested by the CBI on September 2, 2026, Suryavanshi is alleged to be a close associate of Shubham Madhukar Khairnar. The agency claims Suryavanshi facilitated the procurement of leaked papers and collected money from candidates or their families.
Further allegations suggest that Suryavanshi brought candidates to a residence in Nanded to supply them with the leaked questions. To ensure payment, he allegedly collected original educational certificates and documents from the candidates as security. The CBI has emphasized the need for continued judicial custody for such suspects to prevent the destruction of evidence or the influencing of witnesses.
Background of the 2026 Examination Scandal
The NEET-UG examination, which saw over 22.7 lakh candidates appearing on May 3, 2026, was thrown into chaos following the leak allegations. This led the National Testing Agency (NTA) to cancel the original exam on May 12, eventually conducting a re-examination on June 21.
As the CBI continues to analyze digital devices seized from various candidates, the court's upcoming hearing on October 7 will be crucial in determining the next steps for the supplementary investigation and the framing of charges.