NEET paper leak: Accused sold papers for ₹5–50 lakh; Latur coaching director's mega school project under scanner

The ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the NEET-UG paper leak case has exposed a deeply entrenched syndicate that sold question papers for anywhere between ₹5 lakh and ₹50 lakh. According to investigators, the racket operated without a fixed rate card, choosing instead to negotiate individually based on the financial background of each candidate's family.

Variable pricing for leaked papers

Sources familiar with the matter said that the gang initially collected only token money from families, retaining blank cheques and original student documents as security for the remaining payment. The financial model was heavily dependent on the actual examination day outcomes.

The gang promised buyers that the bulk of the payment would be collected only if the leaked question bank matched the actual examination paper after the official answer keys were released.

Dispute over physics questions

However, local intelligence units indicate that after the pan-India examination was conducted, several families refused to pay the full agreed amount. Disgruntled parents reportedly claimed that some physics questions did not match the actual paper distributed at centres.

Consequently, some families paid only half the settled amount, assuring the brokers they would clear the balance once the final results were announced.

Midnight raids disrupt collection

The Rajasthan State Organized Crime Board (SOG), acting on intelligence inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), launched sudden raids late in the evening. At the time of the crackdown, the gang was still allegedly actively extorting money from families.

During the ground-level interrogation of a student in Sikar who had allegedly purchased the paper, a broker called the student's phone demanding the pending payment, effectively walking into an agency trap. Subsequent CBI raids at the homes of several students across different states revealed an identical pattern of transactional security.

Mega school project under probe

The investigation has turned its focus toward Shivraj Motegaonkar, alias ‘M Sir’, director of Renukai Career Centre (RCC) Coaching in Latur, Maharashtra. Investigators found that the prominent coaching director was preparing to establish a massive school-college campus on an 8-acre plot in Khopgaon Shivar.

Construction of a multi-storey building was actively underway at the site when local authorities took notice. The CBI is currently probing his primary funding sources, recent land purchases, and extensive financial transactions. The agency has also questioned his close family members to map out the financial trail.

Legal custody and local actions

Following the CBI's aggressive action, the Municipal Corporation in Pune sealed the RCC Coaching Classes of the accused Shivraj Motegaonkar, citing independent commercial violations and tax irregularities. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sent five co-accused—Mangilal Khatik, Vikas Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Yash Yadav, and Dhananjay Lokhande—to judicial custody till June 2.

The court also extended the CBI remand of another key accused, Shubham Khairnar, by five days to unearth the larger distribution network. Investigators were additionally permitted by the court to collect signature samples of Manisha Mandhre and Motegaonkar to verify handwritten notes.

Preparation for the re-examination

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the extensive preparations for the upcoming NEET re-examination. The minister directed authorities to take strict action against those spreading misleading information regarding paper leaks through fake Telegram channels and social media platforms.

So far, 10 people have been arrested in connection with the pan-India racket, with six of them belonging to Maharashtra. The original NEET-UG examination was conducted across 551 cities in India and 14 international centres, with nearly 23 lakh candidates appearing for the test before its subsequent cancellation due to the leak.

In a stern move today, the Supreme Court imposed a complete ban on the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook "Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part 2" due to its controversial chapter on judicial corruption. Chief Justice Surya Kant-led bench called it a "deep-rooted conspiracy" to defame the judiciary, ordering immediate seizure of all physical and digital copies. 

Court Slams NCERT, Demands Accountability

The three-judge bench, including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, took suo motu cognisance after media reports highlighted the chapter "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society." CJI Surya Kant remarked, "Apology not enough…heads must roll," stressing a thorough probe into those behind the content. The court issued show-cause notices to NCERT Director Dr. Dinesh Prakash Sakhlani and the School Education Secretary, warning of contempt proceedings. 

CJI Kant criticized the textbook for omitting the judiciary's role in upholding constitutional values while focusing on issues like corruption, case backlogs (over 81,000 in Supreme Court, 6.24 million in High Courts), and judge shortages. He said exposing young students to "biased misconceptions" could erode public trust in the institution. 

Key Court Directives Issued

• Immediate Ban and Seizure: No printing, sale, or circulation allowed; NCERT Director and school principals personally responsible.
  
  

• No Teaching from Book: States must ensure compliance; reports due in two weeks.
  
  

• Unconditional Apology: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta called NCERT's initial apology insufficient; a full one must be published.
  
  

• Probe Ordered: Names of authors, syllabus meeting records demanded; guilty authors barred from future work.
  
  

The bench thanked media for flagging the issue, noting hundreds of public calls received.[ 

Government's Response and Book Details

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed regret, stating, "I am very sad... no intention to insult judiciary. Accountability will be fixed." NCERT halted distribution, apologized, and promised a rewritten chapter for 2026-27 session. Only a few of 2.38 lakh copies circulated. 

The chapter discussed corruption's impact on access to justice, judge codes, CPGRAMS complaints (1,600+ from 2017-2021), impeachment processes, and quoted former CJI BR Gavai on transparency. Critics argued it was lopsided, ignoring judicial achievements. 

Why This Matters Now

This controversy erupts amid NEP 2020 textbook revisions under NCF, aiming for civic literacy but sparking debates on content balance. With schools gearing for 2026-27, the ruling safeguards judicial dignity while highlighting curriculum oversight needs. Parents and educators await revised versions, underscoring education's role in nation-building. 

The hearing concluded with CJI emphasizing unity to protect judicial independence. Compliance reports will decide next steps in this high-stakes education-judiciary