CBI Investigation into NEET-UG Paper Leak and 'Star Witnesses'

The CBI is apparently planning a major shift in how they handle the NEET-UG paper leak investigation. They're looking to turn the minor son of a coaching institute founder in Latur into a "star witness." That's what an Indian Express report suggested.
This move comes just days after the agency actually arrested the founder of that coaching institute, connection to the alleged leak.
Sources quoted in the report paint a different picture about the student himself. He allegedly admitted during questioning that his father had arranged the question paper for him about ten days before the exam. The student reportedly received questions covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in advance. It’s a heavy admission.
But the investigation isn't stopping there. The CBI is also looking at bringing in another person. They're considering making a Latur-based paediatrician a witness too. This doctor is accused of buying the leaked question paper for his own son.
Officials are currently wrestling with legal opinions. They need to figure out how to turn both these individuals into "star witnesses." And, naturally, they have to verify everything with documentary proof and digital evidence.
Earlier, the CBI mentioned that leaked NEET questions were actually found on the mobile phone of the coaching institute founder. That was the initial discovery.
The agency also told the court about some video evidence. It allegedly showed the founder speaking at his center. He claimed the questions he provided to students ended up in the final exam paper. It’s a strange kind of admission, that.
Investigators are digging into the network behind the leak. They're examining alleged links with co-accused. Prahlad Kulkarni is one of them.
Kulkarni, who is a retired Chemistry teacher, was arrested back in Pune. Investigators noted he had previous ties to the National Testing Agency.
Then there are the teachers. Manisha Mandhare and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar were also arrested. What’s interesting is that Mandhare and another accused, Pune-based beautician Manisha Waghmare, were living in the same residential society.
The way the paper was supposedly leaked seems to have been divided among them. The CBI alleged that Havaldar leaked the Physics questions. Kulkarni, the teacher, allegedly leaked the Chemistry section.
Mandhare, meanwhile, is accused of leaking Botany and Zoology questions. And it gets weirder. Investigators suggested Mandhare wasn't just preparing the paper. He was allegedly involved in translating it too. Kulkarni was also reportedly involved in translating the paper into Marathi.
Waghmare, the beautician, was linked to Kulkarni. She was supposedly used to scout for suitable students.
The whole thing is still unfolding. The agency is now focusing hard on matching those admissions made during questioning with the electronic records and other supporting material. They are trying to piece together the whole messy web. The investigation into this paper leak just keeps widening.
Written by Gree News Team — Senior Editorial Board
Gree News Team covers international news and global affairs at Gree News. Our collective of senior editors is dedicated to providing independent, accurate, and responsible journalism for a global audience.
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