Nashik: In a major development in the NEET (UG) 2026 question paper leak case that has sparked nationwide concern, a student from Nashik has been arrested, according to reports.
The accused, identified as Shubham Khairnar, was arrested by the city crime branch police from Indiranagar area of Nashik on Tuesday (May 12). The operation was carried out based on specific intelligence provided by Rajasthan Police, sources said.
Reports suggest that in the question paper leak case, a BAMS student from Nashik was arrested for allegedly purchasing the leaked NEET-UG 2026 question paper on Telegram and selling it to a buyer from Haryana.
It is also reported that he was paid around Rs 10 lakh for leaking the paper.
So far, nine people have been arrested across five states in connection with the case, while over 45 individuals are being questioned, according to reports.
Who is Shubham Khairnar?
According to officials, 30-year-old Shubham Khairnar is a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BAMS) student based in Bhopal. Originally from Nandgaon taluka in Nashik district, he was living with his family in Indiranagar, Nashik.
It is alleged that a few days before the NEET exam held on May 3, he obtained a physical copy of a “guess paper” in Nashik. He later sent a soft copy of it to a person based in Haryana.
To avoid identification, he reportedly changed his appearance by cutting his hair. He was arrested while visiting a temple on Tuesday afternoon. Police identified him using old photographs and took him into custody.
Who is the mastermind?
Investigators suspect that a man named Manish Yadav is the mastermind behind the paper leak network. He is believed to have played a key role in coordinating the racket and has already been taken into custody. Another accused, Rakesh Mandawariya, has also been arrested for allegedly distributing the leaked question papers.
NEET-UG 2026 exam cancelled:
The NEET-UG 2026 examination held on May 3 has been cancelled by the Central Government after questions matched “guess paper” content circulating on social media. A comprehensive investigation into the case has been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to reconduct the examination on fresh dates to be announced later.
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