Source TOI
NEW DELHI — In a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the nationwide NEET-UG paper leak scandal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar, the founder and director of the prominent Maharashtra-based coaching institute, Renukai Career Centre (RCC). Following his arrest, a special Delhi court on Monday remanded him to nine days of custodial interrogation.
Motegaonkar’s arrest marks the tenth apprehension by the federal agency, which has intensified its nationwide crackdown following the cancellation of the high-stakes medical entrance exam held on May 3.
The Network Exposed
According to CBI officials, Motegaonkar is a critical link in an organized syndicate that allegedly systematically leaked and circulated the examination questions. Investigators revealed that a leaked chemistry question bank, identical to the official NEET-UG paper, was recovered directly from Motegaonkar’s mobile phone and during raids at his Latur residence and institute.
The CBI informed Special Judge Ajay Gupta that Motegaonkar had received the chemistry questions and answers on April 23—nearly ten days before the pan-India exam was conducted. He then allegedly circulated handwritten copies of these questions to select candidates and intermediaries through his coaching network operating across Maharashtra.
“The accused was even spotted in a video at his coaching centre boastfully claiming to students that the questions he provided would appear in the final exam paper,” a CBI official stated.
Deep Roots and Insider Connections
The probe has revealed a sinister nexus involving coaching owners and insiders. Motegaonkar is reportedly a close associate of Prahlad Vithalrao Kulkarni, a retired chemistry lecturer from Latur who was arrested on May 15. Kulkarni had worked as a Marathi translator for the National Testing Agency (NTA), giving him direct access to the highly confidential test material.
The CBI is currently investigating whether this insider network was also involved in paper leaks during previous academic years.
Nationwide Crackdown Escalates
The Ministry of Education handed the case over to the CBI on May 12 after widespread protests erupted across the country over institutional malpractice, leading to the unprecedented cancellation of the exam that over 22 lakh students had written.
Key Details of the CBI Investigation
Total Arrests So Far
Key Regions Under Scanner
Evidence Confiscated
Current Focus
Seeking Motegaonkar’s 10-day custody, the CBI argued that his interrogation is pivotal to unearthing the larger conspiracy, identifying other co-accused, and mapping out the financial trails. While the defense counsel argued against the remand—stating Motegaonkar has been a reputable teacher since 1999 and that all devices had already been seized—the court allowed nine days of custody, noting that the investigation is at a “very initial and crucial stage.”
The CBI teams are expected to travel to Pune, Latur, and other parts of Maharashtra with Motegaonkar to conduct further raids and recover deleted digital footprints.
