Court Extends Shubham Khairnar’s Judicial Custody Till June 15 in NEET-UG 2026 Paper Leak Case

A special CBI court in Delhi has extended the judicial custody of Shubham Khairnar till June 15 in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case.

Khairnar was produced before the Rouse Avenue Court after the expiry of his previous period of judicial custody. Special Judge (CBI) Ajay Gupta allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) application seeking an extension of custody. Khairnar had earlier been remanded to judicial custody on May 24.

The development comes as investigators continue to probe what they describe as a wider conspiracy involving multiple individuals allegedly linked to the leak of the highly competitive medical entrance examination paper.

Why Is Shubham Khairnar Considered a Key Accused?

According to the CBI, Khairnar allegedly obtained the NEET-UG examination paper through a source within the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Investigators claim that he subsequently distributed the leaked paper to other individuals, making him a crucial link in the alleged leak network. The agency has argued that his continued interrogation is necessary to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and identify additional beneficiaries and participants.

What Did the CBI Tell the Court?

The CBI sought Khairnar’s custody earlier to investigate his role in the alleged conspiracy, confront him with electronic evidence, and facilitate further inquiries, including taking him to Maharashtra as part of the investigation.

Senior Public Prosecutors Neetu Singh and V.K. Pathak, appearing for the CBI, submitted that Khairnar needed to be questioned further to uncover the larger conspiracy and identify others who may have received the leaked examination paper.

The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to investigate the involvement of public servants, given that the examination was conducted by the National Testing Agency.

How Did the Investigation Begin?

The CBI informed the court that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on May 12, 2026, following a complaint by a government official.

The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act, and laws dealing with the use of unfair means in public examinations.

What Is the Alleged Paper Leak Chain?

Investigators have outlined an alleged chain through which the leaked question paper was circulated.

According to the CBI, Mangilal Biwal contacted Shubham Khairnar to obtain the NEET-UG question paper for his son, Vikas Biwal. The agency claims that question papers were recovered from Mangilal Biwal’s mobile phone during the investigation.

The probe further alleges that Mangilal received the leaked paper from Yash Yadav as part of a deal worth Rs 10 lakh. During questioning, Vikas Biwal reportedly stated that he had come into contact with Yash Yadav while attending coaching classes in Sikar, Rajasthan.

The CBI alleges that Khairnar first leaked the paper to Yash Yadav, who then passed it on to Mangilal Biwal. From there, it allegedly reached Vikas Biwal and later Dinesh Biwal.

Investigators also claim that Mangilal Biwal sold the leaked paper to multiple candidates for Rs 12 lakh.

Who Else Has Been Arrested in the Case?

The CBI has arrested several other individuals in connection with the alleged paper leak.

Those currently in judicial custody include Manisha Waghmare, chemistry expert Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni, teacher Manish Mandhare, Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, Manisha Sanjay Hawaldar, Dr. Manoj Shirure, and Tejas Harshad Kumar Shah.

According to investigators, these individuals remain in judicial custody after being questioned by the agency.

What Happens Next?

With Khairnar’s judicial custody now extended until June 15, the CBI is expected to continue examining electronic evidence, tracing the alleged leak network, and identifying any additional individuals involved.

The agency maintains that the investigation is focused on uncovering the full extent of the alleged conspiracy behind the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, including the possible involvement of public officials and intermediaries.

(With inputs from ANI)