NEET Paper Leak Case: Key Accused Sent to Judicial Custody Until June 6
A Delhi court has ordered judicial custody for Shubham Khairnar, a central figure in the NEET question paper leak investigation, until June 6. The ruling came on Sunday after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought extended detention for the accused. Special Judge Ruchi Agarwal approved the agency’s request, marking another significant step in the ongoing probe.
Background of the Custody Battle
Khairnar was initially placed under CBI custody on May 14 alongside four other suspects, with the agency arguing that a coordinated network may have been responsible for leaking and selling the confidential exam paper for financial gain. Following the initial seven-day remand period, the CBI returned to court on May 20 requesting additional time for interrogation. The agency emphasized the need to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have purchased the leaked NEET-UG 2026 paper. Consequently, the court extended Khairnar’s CBI custody by another five days.
Digital Evidence and Network Expansion
During the proceedings, the CBI highlighted the critical importance of examining digital devices, including mobile phones and laptops, as part of the investigation. Investigators are currently analyzing call detail records and financial transactions linked to what they describe as a “paper leak network.” The agency stated that tracing the original source of the leaked question paper and uncovering the full conspiracy is essential to the case.
According to sources, the investigation may require taking the accused to multiple locations, including Nashik in Maharashtra, for on-site questioning. Additionally, several candidates have been interviewed regarding their connections with Khairnar to determine the geographical spread of the leak. Meanwhile, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, a Pune-based physics lecturer arrested on Friday, remains on transit remand and is expected to appear before the relevant court on Monday.
Ten Arrests Made So Far
In a related development, five other individuals arrested in connection with the case will be produced before the court on May 25 following the conclusion of their CBI custody period. The central investigating agency has now made a total of ten arrests in this high-profile matter.
The NEET (UG) 2026 examination, conducted on May 3 for admissions to medical colleges, was cancelled just two days later after allegations of paper leakage surfaced. The central government subsequently assigned the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation into the suspected irregularities, with the agency’s probe continuing to expand in scope.
- Khairnar’s judicial custody extended until June 6 by Delhi court
- Five other accused to appear in court on May 25 after CBI remand ends
- Total arrests in the case stand at ten
- Digital evidence and financial transactions under scrutiny
- Pune lecturer in transit remand, court appearance expected Monday
The investigation remains active as authorities work to dismantle what appears to be an organized operation behind the paper leak. The CBI continues to examine multiple leads, including the possibility of a wider conspiracy involving candidates across different states. The cancellation of the exam has affected thousands of aspiring medical students, and the agency’s findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining the future course of action.
