Court Extends Judicial Custody in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case
The Rouse Avenue Court has extended the judicial custody of two key accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case until July 11. Prahlad (PV) Kulkarni and Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar were produced before the court after their previous custody period expired, following which the judge ordered their continued detention.
Key Accused in the Alleged Conspiracy
According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Kulkarni, a retired chemistry professor, is believed to be the mastermind behind the alleged paper leak conspiracy. Motegaonkar, on the other hand, is accused of obtaining the question paper before the scheduled examination date. Both individuals remain in judicial custody as the investigation progresses.
Investigation Ongoing
The CBI is actively probing the case and examining the roles of all individuals connected to the network. Investigators are working to establish the full chain of events that led to the alleged leak, including how the question paper was accessed and distributed prior to the exam.
- Kulkarni faces allegations of orchestrating the entire leak operation
- Motegaonkar is accused of securing the paper ahead of the exam date
- The CBI continues to investigate the broader network involved in the case
The court’s decision to extend judicial custody reflects the seriousness of the charges and the need for further investigation. Both accused remain in custody as authorities work to uncover the complete scope of the alleged malpractice.
The NEET-UG 2026 examination is a crucial gateway for medical aspirants across the country, and any compromise in its integrity raises significant concerns. The ongoing legal proceedings aim to ensure accountability and uphold the credibility of the examination process.
Further developments in the case are expected as the CBI continues its inquiry into the matter. The next hearing is scheduled after the extended custody period concludes on July 11.
