The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested five individuals in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The action was carried out in Jaipur within 24 hours of the agency arriving to take over the investigation.
Among those detained are three members of a single family from Jamwa-Ramgarh in the Jaipur district: Dinesh Biwal, his brother Mangilal Biwal, and Mangilal’s son, Vikas Biwal. The other two arrests include Yash Yadav from Gurgaon and Shubham Khairnar from Nashik.
The Mechanism of the Leak
Investigators believe the leak operated through a chain of distribution. It is suspected that Dinesh Biwal procured the exam material from Yash Yadav between April 26 and 27. Around April 29, Dinesh allegedly traveled to Sikar to hand over the question set to his minor son.
An official stated that Dinesh appears to have shared the material with approximately 10 people. The CBI is now probing whether Dinesh’s son further circulated the documents among peers at his coaching institute in Sikar, which could indicate a wider dissemination within the local coaching ecosystem.
Whistleblowers and Initial Warnings
The probe reveals that the leak was first flagged by a faculty member at a coaching institute in Sikar. After noticing that a “guess paper” circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram contained numerous questions matching the actual NEET paper, the whistleblower emailed the National Testing Agency (NTA).
This information reached the Rajasthan Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) headquarters in Jaipur on May 8. SOG teams immediately deployed to Sikar to question students and suspects. During this initial phase, Rakesh Mandawariya, who allegedly runs an MBBS consultancy called RK Consultancy, was detained for questioning on May 8.
Administrative Controversy and Fallout
The case has sparked significant scrutiny regarding the Rajasthan government’s response. Despite the SOG uncovering overlaps early on, the state government did not immediately register an FIR or raise a public alarm, waiting instead for the NTA’s assessment and the Central government’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI.
This incident has had broad repercussions, contributing to the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, which affected 23 lakh students. In response to the leak, Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has called for the complete abolition of the NEET exam.
Potential Next Steps
As the CBI continues its probe, the investigation may expand to identify other recipients of the leaked material beyond the initial 10 people mentioned. Further scrutiny of consultancy firms, such as RK Consultancy, is likely to continue.
Legal proceedings could also intensify for the accused, who were produced before a court in Jaipur before being taken to New Delhi. The probe will lead to further questioning of coaching institutes in Sikar to determine the full extent of the dissemination chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary suspects arrested in the Jaipur case?
The arrested individuals include Dinesh Biwal, Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal, Yash Yadav, and Shubham Khairnar.
How did the authorities first learn about the paper leak?
A faculty member at a Sikar coaching institute noticed that a “guess paper” on WhatsApp and Telegram matched the actual exam and emailed the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Why is the Rajasthan government facing criticism?
The government is being questioned for failing to register an FIR or raise an alarm between May 8 and May 10, despite the SOG discovering significant overlaps between the leaked material and the actual paper.
Do you believe the transfer of such probes to central agencies is the most effective way to ensure accountability in national exams?