3 NTA experts named in CBI's NEET paper leak probe chargesheet, may face life term if proven guilty
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed charges against three National Testing Agency (NTA) subject experts involved in the NEET UG 2026 examination paper leak. Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar are accused of criminal breach of trust as public servants and other offenses. If found guilty, they could face a life term or imprisonment up to 10 years along with a fine.
The chargesheet alleges that Mandhare removed NTA's confidential material from its premises, received leaked physics questions dishonestly, and misappropriated confidential question papers for monetary gain. Kulkarni is accused of destroying original question notes and removing confidential NTA question material, while also misappropriating confidential papers for monetary gain.
Havaldar is charged with destroying original question notes, removing confidential NTA question material, misappropriating confidential papers for monetary benefit, and leaking questions for monetary gain. All three face additional charges under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 for leaking questions, colluding with others, providing leaked material and unauthorized tutoring to candidates before the examination, and participating in organized criminal activity.
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