CBI questions parents in NEET paper leak probe over alleged purchase of exam papers
The Central Bureau of Investigation has widened its probe into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, questioning several parents who are suspected of purchasing leaked question papers for their children.
According to officials, the investigation has moved beyond paper setters, middlemen and coaching-linked suspects, and now includes financially well-off parents who allegedly paid large sums ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, and in some cases up to ₹25 lakh, to gain access to leaked examination material.
CBI teams conducted searches at multiple locations in Maharashtra, including Nanded and Latur, after receiving inputs that some families had procured leaked NEET papers ahead of the May 3 examination. Officials said the parents of at least one candidate were interrogated for several hours during the operation.
Investigators also examined electronic devices, communication records and financial transactions, including phone calls and messages exchanged among family members, as part of the ongoing probe.
Officials suspect that the racket involved a wider network spanning several districts such as Pune, Latur and Nanded, where intermediaries allegedly facilitated access to leaked question papers in exchange for money.
In one instance under investigation, a businessman father is believed to have paid around ₹10 lakh, split between multiple intermediaries, to secure access to the leaked paper for his daughter, officials said.
CBI is also probing links between candidates and coaching institutes, including claims that some students had prior access to similar question patterns through alleged leaks or insider networks.
Investigators further suspect that some parents may have shared leaked papers with others to recover part of the money paid, indicating a broader organised network.
The agency has already arrested multiple accused, including alleged masterminds and intermediaries, and is now focusing on tracing the money trail and identifying beneficiaries of the alleged leak.
Senior officials said further raids are likely as the investigation continues and more evidence is being verified
