The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation into the leak of the NEET undergraduate medical entrance examination paper, following multiple arrests linked to the case. The examination, which affects the prospects of over 2.2 million students across India, was canceled after question papers were leaked and circulated on social media.

Authorities initially detained Shubham Khairnar in Nashik on suspicion of involvement in the leak. Khairnar reportedly operated under the guise of a “Career Counselling” service, organizing networks of medical aspirants and facilitating access to the leaked question papers. Investigators uncovered that question papers were couriered to Khairnar from Pune and subsequently sold via Telegram in Haryana.

Following Khairnar’s arrest, Dhananjay Lokhandey, another suspect from Ahilyanagar, was also taken into custody by the CBI. Phone and other digital devices were seized from the accused, which may help unravel the extent of the leak and the network involved.

The CBI’s inquiry has expanded to Pune, where a woman and a man operating a beauty parlor in the Bibwewadi area were detained, reportedly maintaining contact with Lokhandey. Equipment seized by Pune police is undergoing forensic examination. Additionally, two other suspects in Pune were apprehended and handed over to the CBI after initial questioning.

After taking charge of the case, the CBI visited the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters to secure documents related to the NEET examination. A formal case has been lodged against the suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group (SOG) had begun probing the leak after the question papers surfaced on social media platforms in the region, prompting central authorities to entrust the CBI with the investigation. The cancelation of the exam has disrupted the admission process nationwide, with officials seeking to identify all parties involved in the breach to ensure the examination’s integrity.