Jaipur, May 14: Rajasthan’s coaching hub Sikar has emerged as a major focus in the investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, with the Central Bureau of Investigation probing alleged links between coaching institutes, middlemen, students and relatives of the accused.
Investigators believe that coordination of the alleged leak network may have originated in Sikar, where two accused, Yash Yadav and Vikas, reportedly studied together at a coaching institute.
Officials are now examining how the alleged paper leak network expanded through coaching circles and student connections across multiple states.
The investigation has also widened to include family members of the accused who recently qualified NEET and secured admissions in medical colleges, raising further questions about the possible reach of the alleged network into medical education institutions.
The CBI has so far arrested four accused from Jaipur – Mangilal Biwal, Dinesh Biwal, Haryana resident Yash Yadav and Mangilal’s son Vikas.
All four were produced before a magistrate on Wednesday and later taken on transit remand to Delhi for further interrogation.
According to sources associated with the investigation, some key accused were allegedly informed around the Diwali period that the NEET question paper would be accessible this year, indicating that the network may have been active several months before the examination.
Investigators suspect that Sikar functioned as an operational base for the alleged paper leak racket due to its large concentration of coaching institutes and NEET aspirants.
The agency is also examining possible connections between coaching operators, students and intermediaries linked to the accused.
Sources stated that Sonia, niece of accused Dinesh Biwal, is currently studying at a medical college in Mumbai and is now under scrutiny as part of the investigation.
Another relative identified as Palak is also reportedly being examined by investigators.
Officials are additionally probing the admission records of Prakriti, daughter of Mangilal Biwal and a student at Dausa Medical College, as well as Vikas, who was allotted a seat at Sawai Madhopur Medical College.
Investigators are attempting to determine whether any admissions were influenced through alleged access to leaked examination material.
According to the investigation, the leaked question paper allegedly originated from Dhananjay, a resident of Ahilyabai Nagar in Maharashtra.
Officials allege that the paper was subsequently passed to Shubham Khairnar in Nashik, who then allegedly shared it with Yash Yadav in Haryana.
From there, investigators claim the material reached Mangilal and Dinesh Biwal in Rajasthan and was circulated among contacts in Sikar and Jaipur.
Meanwhile, Rishi, son of Dinesh Biwal, remains absconding.
The CBI is also continuing interrogation of accused Rakesh Mandwariya from Sikar and another accused identified as Prajapat from Jaipur.
A CBI team is currently stationed in Sikar and is reportedly questioning individuals linked to the alleged network.
Several students and parents who were earlier detained by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) have also been questioned in connection with the case.
Although some individuals were later released, sources indicated that they were instructed not to leave the city without permission during the course of the investigation.
Officials believe that ongoing interrogation in Delhi may reveal the involvement of additional individuals allegedly linked to the network.
The developments have once again raised concerns regarding the security and integrity of India’s largest medical entrance examination and the possibility of organised interstate networks operating behind paper leak cases.
