According to investigators, Mandhare was associated with the NEET-UG 2026 examination process and had been appointed by the National Testing Agency as an expert, granting her access to Botany and Zoology question papers. News agency ANI reported that during April 2026, she allegedly mobilised prospective NEET candidates through Manisha Wagmare of Pune, who was arrested on May 14.
The CBI further alleged that Mandhare conducted specialised coaching sessions for students at her residence in Pune, during which she disclosed several Botany and Zoology questions. Students were reportedly instructed to note the questions in notebooks and textbooks. Investigators stated that a majority of these questions later matched the actual NEET-UG 2026 question paper conducted on May 3, which has since been cancelled.
The agency also linked the case to retired Chemistry professor PV Kulkarni, who was arrested earlier in Latur. Kulkarni, with over three decades of academic experience, was also associated with the National Testing Agency panel involved in preparing examination questions. Authorities have been examining the roles of individuals involved in the question-setting process.
In the past 24 hours, the CBI conducted searches at six locations across the country, seizing multiple documents, laptops, bank statements, and mobile phones. Officials confirmed that a detailed forensic analysis of the recovered material is currently underway.
So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the case from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, and Ahilyanagar. Five accused have been placed in seven-day police custody for interrogation, while two others arrested in Pune were produced before a local court and later transferred to New Delhi on transit remand.
The NEET-UG 2026 re-examination is scheduled to be held on June 21, marking a critical step following the cancellation of the earlier examination amid the ongoing investigation.
About The Author
Comment List