Who is Shivraj Motegaonkar? Founder of Maharashtra-based Renukai Chemistry Classes Arrested by CBI in NEET Paper Leak Case | Today’s news
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, popularly known as ‘M sir’, operator of Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC) in Latur, Maharashtra, in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, officials said.
During searches conducted by the agency on Sunday, a leaked copy of the medical entrance exam question paper was allegedly found on Motegaonkar’s mobile phone. He was subsequently caught.
The CBI alleged that Motegaonkar was an “active member of an organized gang” accused of leaking and distributing the NEET-UG paper, officials told PTI.
Motegaonkar allegedly conspired with the other accused to obtain the NEET-UG 2026 question paper and answer key before the examination held on April 23, officials further said, adding that he then shared the leaked material with several individuals.
Motegaonkar was interrogated for nearly eight hours at his house in the same locality on Friday. On Sunday afternoon, the agency conducted a search at the RCC coaching center in Shivnagar area of Latur.
Who is Shivraj Motegaonkar?
Hailing from a farming family in Latur, Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar started his teaching career by offering private tuition, often cycling around town to reach his students, according to an NDTV report. In the late 1990s, he started his coaching business in a rented room with about 10 students.
M.Sc. gold medalist in chemistry, Motegaonkar, 46, has built a reputation as an innovative and respected educator. However, he is now facing scrutiny for his alleged links to retired chemistry professor PV Kulkarni, who was arrested in the NEET-UG paper leak probe. Kulkarni is said to have previously taught at RCC and investigators are looking into the nature of their professional association and whether it has any connection to the leak.
In the early years, Motegaonkar was personally involved in almost every aspect of the institute, the report noted, adding that he himself taught chemistry, created handwritten study materials and managed small groups of students from classes 11 and 12 as well as those preparing for entrance exams.
Over the next two decades, his institute expanded along with the rise of the “Latur Pattern”, a teaching model that gained ground across Maharashtra by consistently producing top performers in competitive examinations. RCC is said to have become widely recognized for its chemistry notes, structured test series and distinctive approach to teaching which attracted NEET, JEE and CET aspirants from across the state.
Kulkarni and Mandhare arrested
The CBI had earlier arrested Kulkarni and biology lecturer Manisha Mandhare. The two were reportedly linked through Manisha Waghmare, who is also in CBI custody.
According to officials, Kulkarni and Mandhare allegedly invited Waghmar to recruit NEET aspirants for special sessions held before the exam.
Students reportedly paid several lakhs of rupees to attend these sessions, during which they jot down questions in their notebooks. Officials said these questions later “exactly matched” the actual NEET-UG paper.
