The investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case gathered further momentum on Saturday, with Rouse Avenue Court extending the judicial custody of accused Shubham Khairnar until June 15.
Khairnar was produced before the court after the completion of his earlier period of judicial custody. The extension comes as investigators continue to examine the alleged flow of leaked examination material and the role of various accused in the case.
According to the CBI, Khairnar is among the individuals linked to the circulation of the leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper.
The development comes as the investigating agency continues to examine the alleged network behind the leak that led to the cancellation of one of the country’s largest entrance examinations, affecting more than 22 lakh candidates.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has maintained that the case involves a larger conspiracy spanning multiple individuals, with investigators working to trace how the examination paper was allegedly obtained, circulated and monetised before the test.
CBI outlines alleged network
During the hearing, the CBI informed the court that another accused Manisha Waghmare allegedly worked in coordination with retired chemistry teacher Prahalad Kulkarni and Pune-based Dhananjay Lokhande.
Financial records and statements gathered during the probe point towards transactions allegedly linked to access to the examination material. According to the agency, Dhananjay Lokhande obtained the leaked paper from Waghmare before it was allegedly passed on to Shubham Khairnar.
The CBI has argued that custodial examination of the accused is necessary to identify additional beneficiaries and uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
Exam cancellation triggered national controversy
NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled on May 12 after allegations emerged regarding a coordinated paper leak.
The examination was conducted on May 3 across 551 centres in India and 14 centres overseas, with participation crossing 22 lakh candidates.
The cancellation triggered widespread concern among students and parents, leading to a large-scale investigation and multiple arrests.
With the re-examination scheduled for June 21, the Union Education Ministry has directed authorities to implement enhanced security measures to prevent any repeat of the controversy.