CBI Arrests Pune Lecturer in NEET UG Physics Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation has made another significant arrest in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak investigation, taking a Pune-based lecturer into custody. This marks the eleventh arrest in the case, which continues to expand as investigators uncover more layers of the alleged network.
Lecturer Identified as Key Source of Leaked Questions
Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, who works at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, has been taken into custody by the CBI. According to agency officials, she is accused of sharing the NEET UG physics question paper with selected candidates before the examination was conducted.
The investigating agency has described Havaldar as a crucial “source” in the leak operation. A CBI spokesperson confirmed that during the course of the investigation, they identified Havaldar as the individual responsible for leaking the physics questions for the 2026 NEET UG exam.
Role as NTA Appointed Expert
Havaldar had been appointed as a subject matter expert by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the examination process. This appointment gave her complete access to the physics question paper. The CBI alleges that in April 2026, she shared several physics questions with co-accused Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested on May 16.
Mandhare, a botany teacher based in Pune, is believed to have connections to the paper leak network. Investigators have confirmed that the questions shared by Havaldar match those that appeared in the actual NEET UG physics paper.
Searches Conducted Across Multiple Locations
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI has conducted searches at numerous locations throughout the country. During these operations, investigators seized several incriminating items, including documents, laptops, bank statements, and mobile phones. The agency is currently conducting a detailed analysis of all the seized materials to establish the full extent of the network.
Timeline of Events and Arrests
The NEET examination was originally conducted on May 3, but was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of paper leakage. A re-examination has been scheduled for June 21. The case was registered by the CBI based on a complaint filed by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education.
To date, the agency has arrested a total of 11 individuals across multiple cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur, and Ahilyanagar. The CBI claims to have reached the actual source of the leak and has also identified and arrested several intermediaries who allegedly provided leaked questions to students through special coaching classes in exchange for substantial sums of money.
Investigation Continues to Uncover Network
The investigation into the NEET UG paper leak case continues to expand as the CBI works to dismantle the entire network involved in the malpractice. With each arrest, investigators are piecing together how the question paper was accessed and distributed to candidates.
The agency has emphasized that the identification of Havaldar as the source of the physics paper leak represents a major breakthrough in the case. Authorities remain committed to ensuring that all those involved in the leak face legal consequences, and they continue to examine financial transactions and communication records to trace the full chain of distribution.
The upcoming re-examination on June 21 will be conducted with enhanced security measures to prevent any similar incidents. Students who were affected by the cancellation have been informed about the revised schedule and are preparing for the rescheduled test.
