New Delhi, May 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested another key accused in the NEET‑UG 2026 physics paper leak case, intensifying its probe into one of India’s most high‑profile examination scandals.

The accused, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, was appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as an expert with access to the physics question papers. Investigators allege that she shared several questions with co‑accused Manisha Mandhare, who was arrested earlier on May 16. The leaked questions reportedly matched those that appeared in multiple NEET‑UG 2026 sets.

#BreakingNews I The CBI has arrested another key accused in the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case linked to the Physics question paper.

The accused, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, employed at Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune, was appointed by the NTA as an expert and had access… pic.twitter.com/j35kXcVYn6

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) May 22, 2026

The CBI has conducted searches at multiple locations across the country, seizing incriminating documents, laptops, bank statements and mobile phones. Officials confirmed that forensic and technical analysis of the seized materials is underway.

The case was registered on May 12 following a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. Since then, the CBI has formed special teams and carried out coordinated raids across Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nashik, Pune, Latur and Ahilyanagar.

Also Read:Zero Tolerance For 'Pariksha Mafia', Says Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan On NEET Paper Leak

With Havaldar’s arrest, the total number of accused in custody has risen to 11. Investigators say the probe has uncovered a wider network of middlemen and facilitators who allegedly organised confidential coaching sessions, charging lakhs of rupees from students and families to access leaked questions.

The agency reiterated its commitment to conducting a comprehensive, impartial and professional investigation, aiming to expose the full chain of the paper leak racket and ensure accountability in the examination process.