NEET paper leak: CBI raids Nanded families in Maharashtra probe
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has expanded its probe into the NEET paper leak case to Nanded district in Maharashtra, conducting back-to-back search operations over the weekend of 17–18 May at residences linked to two families suspected of purchasing the leaked examination paper.
Kadam Family Residence Searched for Over Eight Hours
CBI officials conducted an extensive raid at the flat of Ashwini Bhaurao Kadam in the Vidyutnagar locality of Nanded early on Saturday morning, with the operation lasting more than eight hours. Investigators scrutinised documents and other materials found at the premises.
According to officials, the Kadam family is suspected of allegedly procuring the leaked NEET question paper for their daughter by paying ₹5 lakh. A striking discrepancy in the student's scores has drawn investigators' attention — she had reportedly been scoring between 100 and 120 marks in practice assessments while preparing in Nanded, yet her score in the actual NEET examination allegedly surged to around 560 marks, raising red flags for the probe team.
Khairnar Family Also Under Scanner
In a separate development on Sunday, a CBI team visited the office linked to accused Shubham Khairnar in Nanded and conducted a search operation. Investigators also questioned several members of the Khairnar family at their residence in the Vidyut Nagar area regarding their alleged connections to the paper leak network. Officials suspect this family may also have paid a substantial sum to obtain the leaked paper, though exact figures have not been confirmed officially.
How Nanded Entered the Investigation
The CBI team reportedly arrived in Nanded directly after questioning a driver associated with a coaching institute in Latur on Friday. This trail reflects the agency's broader effort to map the network of intermediaries allegedly responsible for distributing the leaked paper across multiple districts and states. Notably, the Latur–Nanded corridor has emerged as a key geography in the widening investigation.
Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies
The Nanded raids are part of the CBI's intensified nationwide investigation into the NEET paper leak, which triggered massive controversy after allegations surfaced that several questions from the examination had been circulated to candidates before the test was held. Investigators are now examining financial transactions, coaching institute connections, and the role of intermediaries allegedly involved in facilitating the leak. This is among the most far-reaching examinations-fraud investigations the agency has undertaken in recent years, spanning multiple states.
As the probe deepens, further searches and arrests cannot be ruled out, with the CBI expected to widen its dragnet to additional districts and individuals identified through financial and digital trails.