The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet accusing 13 individuals in the NEET-UG paper leak scam. Three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts face serious charges. They allegedly breached confidentiality agreements related to the medical entrance exam.
NTA Experts Accused
The accused experts are Manisha Gurunath Mandhare (Botany), P.V. Kulkarni (Chemistry), and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar (Physics). The CBI stated these individuals violated their official duty of confidentiality.
These experts are being treated as public servants. The CBI is applying stringent laws to prosecute them. This includes the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
Allegations Against Experts
Each expert allegedly used their position. They accessed confidential exam questions before the NEET-UG test. This access was allegedly to leak questions for financial gain.
| Accused Expert | Subject | Key Allegations |
| Manisha Gurunath Mandhare | Biology | Conducted private coaching. Accessed confidential questions. Handled leaked materials. |
| P. V. Kulkarni | Chemistry | Held 'special classes' before the exam. Shared leaked chemistry questions for money. |
| Manisha Sanjay Havaldar | Physics | Transmitted confidential materials electronically. Facilitated printing and distribution of leaked notes. |
Legal Provisions and Penalties
The charge sheet details violations under specific legal acts. These carry severe penalties to deter future offenses.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , Section 316(5) addresses criminal breach of trust by a public servant. This offense is punishable with life imprisonment .
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 , targets organized paper leaks. This act mandates imprisonment of 5 to 10 years . It also imposes a fine of at least ₹1 crore .
Additionally, provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act apply. These cover criminal misconduct and abuse of office by public servants. Penalties under this act can include imprisonment up to 10 years .
Scam Network
The CBI uncovered a multi-state network. This network allegedly used leaked question papers to generate income. Access to papers was provided to candidates. Offline coaching was offered for fees up to ₹4 lakh.
