The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet before the Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue in connection with the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, alleging that WhatsApp, Telegram and an internal digital communication network were used to circulate confidential examination papers before the test. The agency said its investigation uncovered extensive electronic evidence that helped trace how the question paper allegedly moved through multiple intermediaries before reaching candidates.
According to the CBI, forensic examination of seized mobile phones recovered chat conversations, PDF documents, photographs of the question paper and other digital records. Investigators stated that these findings allowed them to reconstruct the alleged communication chain linking National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts, brokers, operators and other accused individuals. The chargesheet has been filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
WhatsApp Group and Telegram Links
The agency alleges that the principal accused, Yash Yadav, stored PDF copies of the leaked NEET UG 2026 question paper on his mobile phone. Forensic analysis also found repeated Telegram communication with a contact saved as "AP Broker," whom investigators identified as co-accused Shubham Madhukar Khairnar.
The investigation further identified a WhatsApp group titled "NEET 2026" on the phone of accused Manisha Sanjay Waghmare. According to the CBI, the group was allegedly used as part of the communication network that facilitated the circulation of the leaked examination paper. Call detail records, mobile phone extraction reports and digital forensic findings reportedly matched witness statements recorded during the investigation, strengthening the alleged communication links among the accused.
Financial Security Behind the Alleged Leak
The chargesheet also describes alleged financial arrangements connected to the paper leak. According to the CBI, blank signed cheques, original educational certificates and other personal documents were exchanged as security to ensure payments after the leaked question paper was delivered. Investigators believe these recoveries support the allegation that the operation functioned as an organized commercial conspiracy rather than an isolated incident.
The agency claims the confidential examination material did not move directly from NTA experts to students. Instead, it allegedly passed through several intermediaries, including subject experts, brokers and operators, before reaching candidates. The electronic evidence, investigators said, corroborates the sequence of events described by witnesses throughout the investigation.
Impact on Students and Ongoing Case
The NEET UG examination was originally conducted on May 3, 2026, but was cancelled following allegations of a widespread paper leak. A re-examination was later held on June 21. The controversy had a significant impact across the country, with reports of several student suicides after the allegations surfaced, highlighting the emotional pressure associated with one of India's most competitive entrance examinations.
A total of 13 people, including three NTA-appointed subject experts, have been chargesheeted in the case. The CBI maintains that the electronic trail recovered from seized devices forms one of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting its allegations. The case will now proceed before the Special CBI Court, where the evidence presented by investigators will be examined during the judicial process.
The information in this report is based on details contained in the CBI chargesheet filed before the Special CBI Court and statements made by the investigating agency. As the matter is before the court, all allegations remain subject to judicial examination.
