NEET paper leak shock: CBI arrests Pune professor, calls him ‘kingpin’ of massive scam

Officials said Kulkarni, originally from Latur and running private coaching sessions under the name “Raj Coaching Classes,” is suspected of having access to sensitive examination material through his alleged involvement with the examination process linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA).

He is accused of exploiting this access to leak questions ahead of the exam.

Questions dictated in class just days before exam

According to investigators, Kulkarni conducted a private session at his residence in Pune in the last week of April, shortly before the NEET exam held on May 3.

During the class, he allegedly dictated questions, answer options, and correct responses to students, who wrote them down in notebooks.

After the exam, officials say multiple questions recorded in those sessions were found to closely match the actual question paper, strengthening suspicions of a pre-exam leak.

Wider network under scanner, multiple arrests made

The CBI also said another accused, Manisha Waghmare, who ran a beauty parlour, had already been arrested for allegedly luring students with promises of leaked papers and medical college admissions.

She is believed to have acted as a middle link, directing students to Kulkarni in exchange for large sums of money.

Officials added that the investigation has now expanded across several states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, suggesting a wider examination malpractice network.

So far, eight people have been arrested in the case.

Nationwide raids and forensic probe Intensify investigation

In the past 24 hours, CBI teams have carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations, seizing mobile phones, electronic devices, and documents.

These materials are currently being examined for forensic evidence to trace the full extent of the alleged racket.

The agency registered the case earlier this week following a complaint from the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education and immediately launched a nationwide probe. Officials say further arrests are likely as the investigation continues.