The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Rajasthan Police have intensified their probe into the alleged NEET 2026 paper leak, with a total of 16 individuals now in custody across multiple states as of 12 May 2025. The joint investigation has uncovered what authorities describe as a possible inter-state network involved in the leak and distribution of examination material.

Key Developments in the Probe

According to reports, the CBI has shared crucial technical inputs and suspect details with Rajasthan Police, who have been tasked with taking custody of key suspects. Investigators reportedly obtained and matched photographs of accused individuals as part of their identification process. More arrests are expected in the coming days as the probe widens.

In Maharashtra, two individuals were taken into custody from the Indiranagar area. One of the accused is reportedly a 30-year-old Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) student who had been studying outside the state. A separate individual linked to the alleged network was also taken into custody from Pune, while another address connected to the case has surfaced in Ahilyanagar district.

Suspect Tried to Evade Identification

One suspect detained by the Nashik City Police — acting on instructions from the state police — had allegedly altered his appearance by cutting his hair, shaving his head, and changing clothes in an attempt to evade identification. Officials said information regarding the suspect was received at around 9.15 pm, with the individual subsequently taken into custody around noon the following day. However, the accused reportedly disclosed his identity immediately after being detained.

Investigators also found that the suspect had allegedly been provided guidance related to studies and examination preparation, and authorities obtained his name, mobile number, and location details during the probe. The individual was reportedly detained while heading to Dev Darshan in Maharashtra.

Inter-State Network Under Scanner

Investigators have uncovered links stretching from Nashik to Haryana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, pointing to the possibility of a wide inter-state operation. Sources said the leaked material was allegedly distributed in Nashik, though no raid was carried out there initially. One of the accused is reportedly a resident of Nandgaon in Maharashtra.

This comes amid heightened public scrutiny of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination system, which has faced repeated allegations of irregularities in recent years. The NEET 2026 controversy marks the latest in a series of high-profile exam integrity crises that have shaken public confidence in India's medical entrance process.

What Happens Next

Authorities have indicated that further arrests are likely as investigators continue to trace the full extent of the alleged network. The widening geographic footprint of the probe — spanning at least five states — suggests the operation may have been more organised than initially assessed. All eyes are now on whether the CBI will file a formal chargesheet and whether any institutional failures in the examination conduct process will be examined.