NEET paper leak case:Papers sold for ₹5–50 lakh; accused coaching director planned 8-acre school-college project

The CBI investigation into the NEET-UG paper leak case has revealed that the accused gang sold question papers for amounts ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh, depending on the financial condition of the candidates’ families. According to investigators, there was no fixed rate for the leaked paper. The amount was negotiated individually with each family. The gang allegedly collected only token money initially, while blank cheques and student documents were kept as security for the remaining payment. Payment linked to matching questions The probe found that the gang promised buyers that the remaining payment would be collected only if the leaked question bank matched the actual examination paper after the answer key was released. However, after the examination, several families reportedly refused to pay the full amount, claiming that some physics questions did not match the actual paper. Some families paid only half the agreed amount and assured the gang they would pay the balance after the results. Gang was still collecting money during crackdown According to the investigation, Rajasthan SOG launched action on the night of May 8 after receiving intelligence inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Officials said the gang was still allegedly extorting money from students and families at the time. During the interrogation of a student in Sikar who had allegedly purchased the paper, a broker reportedly called the student demanding payment. Subsequent CBI raids at the homes of several students revealed a similar pattern of transactions and assurances. Coaching Director planned school-college on 8 acres The investigation also found that Shivraj Motegaonkar alias ‘M Sir’, director of RCC Coaching in Maharashtra’s Latur and one of the accused in the case, was preparing to establish a school-college campus on an 8-acre plot in Khopgaon Shivar. Construction of a multi-storey building was reportedly underway at the site. The CBI is now probing his funding sources, land purchases, and financial transactions. The agency has also questioned his wife and son in connection with the case. 5 sent to judicial custody Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sent five accused, Mangilal Khatik, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Yash Yadav, and Dhananjay Lokhande, to judicial custody till June 2. The court also extended the CBI remand of accused Shubham Khairnar by five days. Investigators were additionally permitted to collect signature samples of Manisha Mandhre and Shivraj Motegaonkar. Education Minister reviews re-exam preparations Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the NEET re-examination and directed authorities to take strict action against those spreading misleading information regarding paper leaks through fake Telegram channels and social media platforms. 10 arrested so far So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with the case, with six of them belonging to Maharashtra. The original NEET-UG examination was conducted on May 3 across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) said reports of irregularities emerged on the evening of May 7, after which the matter was handed over to central agencies. The examination was cancelled on May 12, and a re-examination was subsequently announced.