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Pune beautician arrested as alleged intermediary in NEET paper leak network
Authorities mapped a multi-state NEET paper-leak network, arresting a Pune-based beautician as an intermediary and linking her to a retired professor under investigation. The timeline includes the arrests of key suspects and ongoing CBI-led investigations into financial and digital evidence.
Why It Matters
The case highlights vulnerabilities in examination integrity and shows how networks operate across states through intermediaries, potentially impacting thousands of aspirants.
Timeline
5 Events
CBI-led investigation expands; cross-state network; financial transactions reviewed
May 16, 2026
The investigation has been handed over to the CBI, which is examining financial transactions, mobile phone records and other digital evidence linked to Waghmare and other accused. Investigators say the racket operated via agents across multiple states, and a senior Pune police officer noted that about ₹10 lakh was transferred to Waghmare’s account on the day of the NEET exam.
Kulkarni arrested in Latur following detention
May 15, 2026
P V Kulkarni was arrested from Latur on May 15, after having been detained on May 14, as part of the NEET paper leak investigation.
Waghmare interrogation reveals link to Kulkarni; Kulkarni detained
May 14, 2026
During CBI interrogation on May 14, Waghmare was found to be in touch with retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni, who shuttles between Latur and Pune and was formerly associated with the body that frames NEET questions. Kulkarni was detained on May 14.
Pune beautician Manisha Waghmare arrested; devices seized
May 14, 2026
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Manisha Sanjay Waghmare, 46, a Pune-based beautician, for allegedly serving as an intermediary in the NEET paper leak racket. Pune police had detained her earlier and handed her over to the CBI. Police seized her mobile phone and laptop; preliminary examination showed calls and messages exchanged between her and Lokhande.
Lokhande arrested in Ahilyanagar (NEET leak network)
May 13, 2026
Dhananjay Lokhande, the main accused in the NEET paper leak network based in Ahilyanagar, was arrested on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.