Maharashtra Doctor Paid Rs 12 Lakh for Leaked NEET Papers; CBI Expands Probe to Parents

The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the alleged NEET paper leak scandal by questioning a senior pediatrician from Maharashtra’s Latur district who is accused of purchasing leaked examination papers for his son. Investigators are now focusing not only on the alleged masterminds of the racket but also on parents and intermediaries who allegedly paid large sums of money to secure unfair advantages for students seeking admission to medical colleges.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, Doctor Manoj Shirure allegedly paid around Rs 12 lakh to obtain leaked question papers linked to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Investigators claim the doctor later circulated the papers among other individuals, including at least five doctors associated with four separate hospitals. These individuals are now under the scanner as investigators attempt to trace the full network involved in the alleged leak operation.

The agency has reportedly detained Shirure for questioning and seized his mobile phone, documents, and electronic devices as part of the investigation. Officials are examining digital evidence to determine how the papers were circulated and whether additional candidates may have benefited from the alleged malpractice. Sources said the doctor also shared the leaked material with relatives, prompting investigators to question members of his family, including his wife and another individual identified as Dr. Pramod.

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The case forms part of the broader investigation into the NEET paper leak controversy, which triggered nationwide outrage over alleged irregularities in one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations. The CBI has already arrested multiple individuals in connection with the case and is attempting to uncover the structure and functioning of the alleged racket. Authorities suspect that organized groups may have exploited gaps in the examination process to leak papers and profit from desperate candidates and parents.

Investigators are also examining the financial trail linked to the transactions, including how payments were made and distributed among those allegedly involved. Sources indicated that Shirure may be willing to cooperate with the investigation and could potentially become a government witness. Officials believe his testimony may help explain the operational methods of the network and reveal how examination materials were accessed and distributed before the test.

The NEET examination is the primary gateway for admission into undergraduate medical programs across India, making the integrity of the exam process a matter of national importance. The alleged leak has renewed concerns over examination security, transparency, and the growing commercialization of competitive entrance tests. The investigation is expected to continue across multiple states as authorities work to identify additional suspects, beneficiaries, and possible institutional lapses linked to the case.

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