NEET UG paper leak probe: Academy says Tejas Shah sought physics clarification from Manisha Havaldar

In the NEET UG paper leak investigation, the CBI arrested Tejas Shah, a physics teacher at Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy. A director said Shah contacted senior faculty member and accused Manisha Havaldar only for physics and syllabus clarification. He also said an alleged INR 20,000 payment was consultancy, not for questions.

A director at Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy APMA said Tejas Shah contacted Manisha Havaldar personally for physics guidance. Tejas Shah, a junior physics faculty member, was arrested by the CBI on Tuesday. The arrest is linked to the NEET UG paper leak probe. The CBI alleged Tejas Shah received leaked physics questions from Havaldar.

Prof Sachin Haldavnekar, one of the academy’s directors, told reporters the institute was not involved. Haldavnekar said the contact happened in an individual capacity, not through APMA. The director also said the CBI may have relied on chat messages. The academy said it was cooperating with investigators.

NEET UG paper leak case: Claims over chats and Rs 20,000

Haldavnekar said Tejas Shah sought clarity on physics topics and the NEET syllabus. The questions included whether some chapters were part of the NEET syllabus. Asked about Rs 20,000 allegedly paid to Havaldar, Haldavnekar said it was for consultancy. "How can questions be sold for mere Rs 20,000?\" Haldavnekar asked.

The academy reiterated that Tejas Shah’s exchanges with Havaldar were personal. \"We have full faith in the judiciary and the investigation being conducted by the CBI. We would also like to clarify that Shahs interaction with Havaldar was purely in his personal capacity, and the institute had no role in it,\" Haldavnekar said. The director added that full cooperation was being given to the CBI.

NEET UG paper leak case: Wider arrests across cities

Investigators have arrested 13 people so far in the paper leak case. These arrests were reported from Delhi, Jaipur, Gurugram, Nasik, Pune, Latur and Ahliyanagar. Havaldar, described as a senior physics faculty member and an accused, has also been arrested. The CBI is probing the alleged sharing of leaked questions.

The CBI registered the case after a written complaint by the Department of Higher Education. The Department works under the Ministry of Education. The registration happened on the same day the test was cancelled. The action followed allegations that question papers had been leaked.

NEET UG paper leak case: Exam cancellation and new date

On May 12, the National Testing Agency NTA cancelled the NEET held on May 3. The exam is used for medical admissions. Authorities scheduled a re-examination for June 21. The NEET was held in 551 Indian cities and at 14 overseas centres. Nearly 23 lakh candidates had registered.

Meanwhile, the Latur unit of the Indian Medical Association IMA welcomed the ongoing investigation. The IMA said it would not support or protect any doctor suspected in the case. It also referred to those taken into custody during the inquiry. The probe continues as agencies review evidence and statements.

With inputs from PTI