The Central Bureau of Investigation, probing the alleged NEET UG 2026 paper leak case has informed the court that the source of the leak may be linked to the National Testing Agency, pointing to a possible insider role in the massive examination scandal. In its order while remanding five accused persons to seven days’ custody, the court noted that the investigation had revealed a direct trail leading towards a source within the examination system.

Special Judge Ajay Gupta, in his order, noted the agency’s submission, "As per investigations conducted by the CBI, it has come to light that Shubham Madhukar Khairnar had obtained the said paper fromanother person in Punewho had obtained it from his source in NTA."

The development marks one of the strongest indications so far that the leak may have originated from within the agency responsible for conducting the nationwide medical entrance examination.

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The CBI, in its remand note submitted to the court, also stated that it was attempting to identify officials of the NTA and other departments allegedly linked to the paper-leak network.

The agency told the court that a custodial interrogation of the arrested accused was necessary for multiple reasons, including uncovering the wider conspiracy.

“For the purpose of conducting an investigation, the arrested accused persons are required to be taken under police custody for custodial interrogation,” the CBI informed the court.

The agency said the custody was required “To prevent further commission of similar offences involving leakage of question papers.”

It further told the court that interrogation was needed “To identify and apprehend other co-accused persons involved in the offence.”

The CBI also said it aimed “To recover and analyse digital devices and digital evidence, communication records and financial trail connected to the NEET UG 2026 examination and paper leak network.”

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