The investigation into the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak case has taken a major turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, the founder of Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC), in connection with the controversy surrounding the medical entrance examination. Officials claim that Motegaonkar played a significant role in leaking and circulating the examination paper before the test was conducted.
According to investigators, the accused runs a coaching network with multiple branches, including its main centre in Latur, Maharashtra. The CBI reportedly arrested him after conducting searches at his institute and residence, where officials allegedly recovered a copy of the leaked NEET question paper from his mobile phone. The examination was held on May 3 across India and at several international centres.
The agency has alleged that Motegaonkar was actively involved in an organised network responsible for leaking the exam paper and distributing answers to selected candidates. Investigators claim that he received the question paper and answer key nearly 10 days before the examination. The leaked material was allegedly shared with several individuals in handwritten form, which officials say was later destroyed after the examination to avoid detection.
During the investigation, the CBI also recovered a chemistry question bank from his coaching institute. According to officials, the questions in the material matched exactly with the questions that appeared in the NEET UG examination. Investigators believe this recovery could become a crucial piece of evidence in establishing the paper leak conspiracy.
The agency further stated that Motegaonkar had close links with chemistry lecturer P V Kulkarni, who is also under arrest in the case. Kulkarni was allegedly associated with the National Testing Agency, the body responsible for conducting NEET examinations. Officials suspect that multiple people connected to educational institutions and coaching centres may have worked together to leak confidential exam material.
Apart from Kulkarni, the CBI had earlier arrested biology lecturer Manisha Mandhare and another accused, Manisha Waghmare, in connection with the investigation. Authorities believe the accused individuals were connected through a wider network involved in exam malpractice.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the CBI conducted searches at several locations across different cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Pune, Nashik, Latur, and Ahilyanagar. During these raids, officials seized important documents, laptops, mobile phones, and digital evidence. Investigators are currently analysing the recovered devices to identify additional suspects and trace the flow of leaked information.
So far, at least 10 people have reportedly been arrested in connection with the case. The controversy has triggered nationwide concern because NEET UG is one of India’s most important entrance examinations for medical admissions. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the exam hoping to secure admission into medical colleges.
The alleged leak eventually forced authorities to cancel the NEET UG examination, leading to anger and uncertainty among students and parents across the country. The exam had been conducted in 551 Indian cities and 14 overseas centres, making it one of the largest entrance tests in the country.
The CBI has registered an FIR and formed multiple special teams to investigate the full extent of the scam. Officials say the probe is still ongoing and more arrests may follow as digital evidence and financial links are examined in detail.
