Pune Principal Arrested
Pune Principal Sold NEET Questions for Cash, CBI Tells Court
In a major development in the NEET UG-2026 paper leak case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has informed a court that a Pune school principal allegedly shared examination-related questions and confidential content with students in exchange for money.
The allegations surfaced during court proceedings after the arrest of Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, principal of Seth Hiralal Saraf Prashala in Pune.
The case has intensified concerns regarding examination security and fairness in one of India’s biggest medical entrance examinations.
CBI Arrests Pune School Principal
The CBI arrested Manisha Havaldar on Friday, describing her as another alleged “source” in the NEET UG paper leak network.
According to investigators, Havaldar worked as an empanelled translator for Physics for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG)-2026.
Her role reportedly involved translation and reverse translation of question content during assignments linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Following her arrest, she was produced before a Pune court and placed under transit remand. Officials stated she is likely to be presented before a Delhi court.
Questions Shared for Money: CBI Allegation
During court proceedings, the CBI alleged that Havaldar, along with Manisha Mandhare, a botany lecturer from Modern College of Arts and Science in Pune, shared NEET-related questions and exam content with select students for financial gain.
According to sources, investigators told the court that:
- Confidential handwritten NEET-related notes were prepared during her NTA assignment.
- Exam content was allegedly circulated before the examination.
- Questions were reportedly shared through WhatsApp messages and printed materials.
- Students allegedly paid money in exchange for access to the content.
The agency suspects this information may have been used to give unfair advantage before the examination.
Cash Payments Allegedly Received
The CBI reportedly informed the court that Havaldar allegedly received:
- Rs 20,000 from one student
- Rs 25,000 from another individual
Investigators claim the payments were linked to the sharing of examination-related material.
According to sources, Havaldar allegedly admitted to sharing Physics-related NEET UG-2026 questions, which she had translated or reverse translated during her official work.
The content was allegedly shared with one student and co-accused lecturer Manisha Mandhare.
Evidence Destroyed, Says Probe
The agency further alleged that Havaldar attempted to destroy evidence.
According to investigators:
- WhatsApp chats with Manisha Mandhare were allegedly deleted.
- Handwritten Physics question-bank notes were reportedly burnt.
The alleged destruction of evidence has become an important part of the investigation.
NEET UG-2026 Cancelled After Leak Allegations
The controversy surrounding the NEET UG-2026 examination escalated after allegations of paper leaks emerged nationwide.
On May 12, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the medical entrance examination held on May 3.
A re-examination has now been scheduled for June 21, affecting lakhs of aspirants preparing for medical admissions.
The decision triggered widespread discussions among students and parents concerned about transparency and fairness in the examination process.
CBI Investigation Expands
The CBI registered an official case on May 12, based on a complaint from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
According to officials, the investigation has expanded rapidly across several states.
So far, 11 accused persons have been arrested from locations including:
- Delhi
- Jaipur
- Gurugram
- Nashik
- Pune
- Latur
- Ahilyanagar
The CBI stated that its investigation has now helped identify the actual source of the paper leak network.
Impact on Students
The alleged leak has caused uncertainty among lakhs of students preparing for medical admissions.
Many aspirants expressed concerns over:
- Exam fairness
- Mental stress
- Delayed admissions
- Re-examination pressure
Education experts say such incidents can damage trust in competitive examination systems and create emotional stress for students.
Conclusion
The arrest of Pune school principal Manisha Sanjay Havaldar marks another major development in the NEET UG-2026 paper leak case. The CBI has alleged that confidential examination questions were shared for cash through WhatsApp and printed notes, raising serious concerns about exam integrity.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to uncover more details about the alleged network involved in leaking examination content.
Disclaimer: Allegations mentioned in this article are based on statements made by investigating agencies and court submissions. The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.