CBI arrests Latur coaching operator in NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case

The CBI on Monday (May 18) arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, who runs Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC) in Maharashtra’s Latur, in connection with the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The arrest marks a major development in the widening investigation into the alleged examination fraud.

According to officials, a leaked question paper for the medical entrance examination was recovered from Motegaonkar’s mobile phone during searches carried out by the CBI at his premises on Sunday. He was taken into custody soon after the recovery.

Leak network alleged

Investigators have alleged that Motegaonkar was an active member of an organised network involved in leaking and circulating the NEET-UG paper. The agency claims he worked in coordination with other accused individuals and received the question paper along with answer keys ahead of the April 23, 2026, examination.

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The CBI further alleged that he went on to circulate the material to multiple individuals. The agency has already registered an FIR and is expanding its probe into what officials believe was a wider racket operating across Maharashtra.

Searches at coaching centre

The development comes a day after the CBI conducted searches at the main office of Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC) in Latur.

According to reports, a team of CBI officials reached RCC’s office in the Shivnagar locality on Sunday afternoon and carried out searches for several hours. The operation continued till late in the evening as investigators examined documents, electronic devices and other materials at the premises.

Links under scrutiny

The searches came two days after the agency questioned RCC founder Shivraj Motegaonkar for nearly eight hours at his residence in the same locality on Friday (May 15). Officials are understood to be examining his alleged links to individuals suspected of being part of the paper leak network.

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Investigators are reportedly suspecting that some doctors from Latur may have obtained access to the leaked NEET question paper before the examination. The agency is now looking into the possible movement of the paper and answer keys among candidates, intermediaries and other beneficiaries.

Probe widens further

A CBI team has been stationed in Latur for the past four days as part of the ongoing inquiry. The federal agency has already registered an FIR and formed multiple teams to investigate the alleged leak, which led to the cancellation of the examination held on May 3.

The NEET examination was conducted across 551 cities in India and at 14 overseas centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates registered.

In a related development, the CBI on Saturday arrested Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, a Pune-based Biology lecturer who was part of the National Testing Agency’s paper-setting committee.

(With agency inputs)