NEET UG 2026 Paper Leak Scandal: Pune Lecturer Manisha Mandhare Arrested and Sent to 14‑Day CBI Custody

The buzz around the upcoming NEET UG 2026 examination turned ugly this week when news broke that a senior lecturer from Pune, Manisha Mandhare, was allegedly linked to a leak of the question paper. The National Testing Agency (NTA) immediately sounded the alarm, prompting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to step in.

According to the CBI’s statement released on Tuesday, Mandhare has been sent to a 14‑day custodial period for further interrogation. The agency says it will probe how the paper supposedly found its way out of the secure vaults where NTA stores its test material. While the exact details are still under wraps, officials hinted at a possible breach in the chain‑of‑custody protocol.

Sources close to the investigation mentioned that the leak could have involved a small circle of insiders – perhaps someone who had direct access to the printed papers before they were sealed. "We are leaving no stone unturned," a senior CBI officer is quoted as saying, underscoring the seriousness with which the probe is being treated.

The fallout is already being felt. Aspirants who were counting on a fair shot at medical seats are voicing anxiety, fearing that any compromise could ripple through the entire selection process. NTA has assured candidates that it will review the paper’s integrity and, if needed, schedule a fresh set of question papers.

Legal experts point out that if the allegations hold water, Mandhare could face charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to cheating under the Indian Penal Code. The 14‑day custody is, they say, a standard procedural step that allows investigators to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and perhaps, lock down any digital footprints.

For now, the educational community is holding its breath. Parents, teachers, and students alike are hoping the CBI wraps up its inquiry quickly, so that the NEET 2026 schedule can get back on track without further delays.