NEET paper leak: Delhi court allows CBI to interrogate 3 accused in jail

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists stage a protest against alleged irregularities and leak of NEET paper at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park in Hyderabad on Sunday (June 14, 2026). | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

A Delhi court on Monday (June 15, 2026) allowed the CBI’s request to interrogate the three accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case in jail, saying they were the “main conspirators” who required further investigation.

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Justice Surender Mohit Singh heard the agency’s request to interrogate the three accused in judicial custody – Manisha Sanjay Waghmar, Dhanunjay Nivrutti Lokhande and Shubham Madhukar Khairnar.

“The (three) accused were revealed to be the main conspirators who facilitated the leakage and dissemination of the NEET-UG 2026 question papers in return for monetary consideration prior to the inquiry held on May 3,” the plea said.

The plea sought permission from the court to interrogate the accused to obtain the necessary explanations in connection with the investigation.

Mr Lokhande and Mr Khairnar were arrested on May 13, while Ms Waghmare was arrested the next day. They were later sent to judicial custody.

Sources said the CBI will question Waghmar on June 17, Mr. Lokhande the next day and Mr. Khairnar on June 19.

Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial custody of accused Yash Yadav, Mangilal Khatik, Vikash Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Dhananjay Lokhande, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, Manoj Shirure, Tejas Shah and Shubham Khairnar, who were produced before it through video conferencing.

The CBI has arrested 13 people in the case, all of whom are currently in judicial custody.

On May 12, the National Testing Agency canceled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG, held on May 3 for medical admissions over allegations of a paper leak.

The repeat exam is scheduled for June 21.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 18:51 IST