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Maharashtra Waives Registration Fee for Family Agricultural Land Division

Nagpur, July 30: Maharashtras Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, announced on Wednesday the elimination of the registration fee for documents related to the division of agricultural land among relatives. This move is part of a broader initiative by the revenue department to implement several reforms. Minister Bawankule stated that the state government has issued a notification ... Read more Maharashtra Waives Registration Fee for Family Agricultural Land Division

Morningstar 30 Jul 2026 1:25 am

Maharashtra to Implement AI and Geo-Tagging for Monitoring Urban Development Projects

Mumbai, July 30: The Maharashtra government has decided to leverage advanced technology to enhance transparency and quality in urban local bodies, including municipal corporations, municipalities, and councils. This initiative aims to oversee government-funded development projects effectively. Artificial Intelligence (AI), geo-tagging, and GIS mapping will now be utilized for technical and social audits of public construction ... Read more Maharashtra to Implement AI and Geo-Tagging for Monitoring Urban Development Projects

Morningstar 30 Jul 2026 1:04 am

Maharashtra State Film Awards 2025 winners announced

The Maharashtra Governments Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has announced the recipients of the 2025 Maharashtra State Film Awards, honouring some of Indian cinemas most celebrated personalities for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

The Times of India 30 Jul 2026 12:50 am

Maharashtra CM Praises Passage of Bill to Combat Exam Paper Leaks

Mumbai, July 30: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his satisfaction following the passage of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government, stating that this bill is a significant step towards making the countrys examination system more transparent, ... Read more Maharashtra CM Praises Passage of Bill to Combat Exam Paper Leaks

Morningstar 30 Jul 2026 12:34 am

No Vada Pav, Samosa In And Near Maharashtra Schools: Food Body's Diktat

Foods high in fat, trans-fat, sugar and salt, commonly known as HFSS foods, can no longer be sold, given away or promoted within school premises or within a 50-metre radius of them.

NDTV 30 Jul 2026 12:22 am

TET paper leak: Order reserved on bail pleas of 3 accused

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 11:39 pm

Stroke-hit man (73) held for hrs for drunk driving, in ICU

Taken First To Stn For FIR; Told Docs He Was Drunk: Cops

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 11:16 pm

From Scorpio-N to Innova Crysta: BMC plans Rs 1.5-crore vehicle upgrade for key elected leaders amid 'comfort' demand

The BMC is set to acquire six new Toyota Innova Crysta vehicles intended for use by key elected officials. This initiative is designed to enhance comfort during long trips and official inspections, following the recent provision of hybrid cars for the Mayor and other officials. The existing Scorpio vehicles will be designated for ward-level officials after the transition. The total investment for the new fleet is estimated at around 1.

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 11:08 pm

Rajdhani Express stops at Sawantwadi again after six years

The halt, which had been withdrawn during the Covid-19 pandemic, has now been restored following years of efforts by passenger groups and public representatives

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 11:00 pm

National Green Tribunal seeks govt response on quarrying near Tata Cancer Hospital in Navi Mumbai

Tribunal Notes Hospitals Concerns Over Dust And Blasting, Questions Quarrying After 2020-21

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 10:48 pm

Thane set to get Rs 26 crore world-class shooting complex

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 10:36 pm

Increase jobs for youth, not number of MPs in Parliament: Uddhav Thackeray

Speaking at an event to launch three books, Uddhav Thackeray questioned the need to expand the strength of the Lok Sabha and said greater attention should be given to issues affecting the youth

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 10:34 pm

Students should not be harassed over NEET protests: Abhijeet Dipke

Speaking after reaching his hometown in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also sought action against those responsible for ordering the use of pellet guns during a protest march at Jantar Mantar in Delhi

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 10:20 pm

BJP slams Rahul Gandhi over remarks on anti-paper leak law

BJP criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak law. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Leader of Opposition of making misleading and factually incorrect claims while defending the Narendra Modi government's legislation

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:46 pm

Maharashtra: Dipke Says Students Can Change Government, Modi Better As Influencer Than PM

We have only taken the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. In many states, police are visiting the houses of students and threatening them for arrests: Student leader Abhijit Dipke

Deccan Chronicle 29 Jul 2026 9:19 pm

CISF marks milestone with its first all-women QRT commandos

The passing out ceremony was held on July 28, 2026 at the 10th Reserve Battalion in Bengaluru, which has now been designated as the CISF's official Mahila QRT Training Centre

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:40 pm

Maharashtra: Akkalkot Shri Swami Samarth Temple area set for Rs 500 crore revamp

The Maharashtra government has approved the appointment of MHADA as the Special Planning Authority for the planned development of the Akkalkot Shri Vatvruksha Swami Samarth Temple area. The proposed Rs 500 crore project will include road widening, parking facilities, traffic management

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:39 pm

Air India plane crash: No defect found in fuel control switch, says govt

A detailed examination of the fuel control switch, including the structural integrity of its locking detents, found no abnormality, he said

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 7:54 pm

Pune rural administration issues restriction order on drone filming

Pune Rural administration has made prior police permission mandatory for using drones for filming or photography. Individuals and agencies must apply at least seven days in advance, with the order aimed at preventing security threats, illegal surveillance and criminal misuse

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 7:29 pm

Weather Tomorrow, July 30: Rain Alert for UP, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka; IMD warns of heavy showers across states

Weather Tomorrow, July 30: Active monsoon conditions will bring widespread rainfall across North, Central, and East India. Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh anticipate rain and thunderstorms with heavy alerts. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are set for moderate to heavy showers, impacting daily life. Eastern states like Bihar and West Bengal will experience steady rainfall and high humidity. Scattered showers are forecast for South India, with coastal areas seeing more activity.

The Economic Times 29 Jul 2026 7:12 pm

Maharashtra Farm Bill: Does it really empower women farmers? | In Focus Podcast

Maharashtras groundbreaking Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, 2026, redefines women farmers and challenges economic exclusion. Join host Vinaya Deshpande and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan on the In Focus Podcast to explore its impact.

The Hindu 29 Jul 2026 7:03 pm

Goyal demands Rahul Gandhi apology over 'false' Lok Sabha remarks

The Congress leader was referring to the crackdown by security forces during the march to Parliament on July 20 during the CJP-led protest on the NEET paper leak issue

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 6:13 pm

GST rollout boosted state tax revenues, buoyancy, says India Ratings

The top five states with the highest tax buoyancy, post GST implementation, are Manipur, Nagaland, Goa, Maharashtra and Sikkim

The Hindu Businessline 29 Jul 2026 5:51 pm

No chips, cola for kids: Maharashtra FDA bans sale of junk food within 50 metres of schools

Maharashtra FDA banned unhealthy food sales within fifty meters of schools. This strict order applies to all government and private educational institutions statewide. Food suppliers and kitchen operators must now obtain mandatory registration and licenses. School principals and local authorities will oversee the implementation of these new norms. The regulations cover students from twenty-two months up to Class 12.

The Economic Times 29 Jul 2026 5:42 pm

School holiday tomorrow, July 30: Will schools remain closed as IMD issues heavy rainfall alert for several states?

School holiday tomorrow, July 30: No statewide school closures are announced for Thursday, July 30. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted across many Indian states. Authorities advise checking local district updates for potential school advisories. Several regions including Delhi-NCR and Maharashtra expect significant monsoon showers. Parents and students should monitor official announcements regarding school operations.

The Economic Times 29 Jul 2026 5:33 pm

Cyber fraud cases tripled between 2020 and 2024, government tells Rajya Sabha

State-wise data showed that Telangana recorded the highest number of cyber fraud cases in 2024 at 18,922, followed by Bihar (4,020), Maharashtra (2,827) and Odisha (1,546)

The Hindu 29 Jul 2026 5:23 pm

In 2021, Organ Transplant Supply in India Met 0.2% of Heart Need: Study

Five states -- Tamil Nadu, Delhi NCR, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Telangana -- represented about 29 per cent of the country's population, yet accounted for about 80-96 per cent of transplants in 2024

Deccan Chronicle 29 Jul 2026 4:48 pm

Dr Kiran Chavan appointed to Maharashtra State Mental Health Authority Committee

Dr Kiran Prakash Chavan, founder of Manobrahma Foundation and Director of Samvad Rehabilitation Centre, has been appointed as a non-official member of the Maharashtra State Mental Health Authority Committee for a three-year term. Recognised for his work in de-addiction, psychiatric rehabilitation, mental health awareness and community-based care, Dr Chavan aims to strengthen inclusive and accessible mental healthcare services across Maharashtra. His appointment is expected to bring valuable grassroots expertise to state-level mental health policy-making.

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 4:24 pm

Political Turmoil Erupts Over Maharashtra PSC Paper Leak Case

Latur, July 29: A political storm has erupted over the alleged paper leak case involving the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). A case has been filed against Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal, following a controversial social media post. The complaint was lodged by Aausa MLA Abhimanyu Pawar, prompting police action. MLA Abhimanyu Pawar claims that ... Read more Political Turmoil Erupts Over Maharashtra PSC Paper Leak Case

Morningstar 29 Jul 2026 3:55 pm

Thousands return as Spain works to contain devastating forest fires

Thousands of residents returned home after Spain lifted evacuation orders in wildfire-hit areas around Madrid and Avila. While improved weather helped stabilise major blazes, more than 2.07 lakh hectares have burned across the country in 2026, making it one of Spain's worst wildfire seasons

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 3:35 pm

Rahul Gandhi targets Amit Shah over police action on student protests

Rahul Gandhi said there were only two possible explanations for the alleged action on student protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 3:35 pm

Mansukh Mandaviya: PM Modi to launch 100-week anti-drug campaign from August 2

A record 42,282 acres of illegal opium cultivation was destroyed in the same year, a massive jump compared to only 10,000 acres in 2020

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 2:44 pm

Rahul Gandhi's 'idiot' remark sparks Lok Sabha uproar, Rijiju objects

Rahul Gandhi said a discussion with a group of students, particularly a young woman, had shaped his understanding of how young people view education and knowledge

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 2:42 pm

Priyanka Gandhi defends remarks on Pralhad Joshi, questions expunction

Remarks made by Priyanka Gandhi about the newly appointed Education Minister were later expunged from the official parliamentary proceedings, triggering protests from the Treasury benches and sharp exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Congress

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 2:09 pm

Over 2,000 Schools Shut Down in Maharashtra, Says Sanjay Raut

New Delhi, July 29: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has raised concerns regarding the education system in Maharashtra, particularly in light of the NEET paper leak scandal. Speaking to reporters about the Anti-Paper Leak bill, Raut stated, Over 2,000 government schools have already closed in Maharashtra. Whether its the Maharashtra government or any other ... Read more Over 2,000 Schools Shut Down in Maharashtra, Says Sanjay Raut

Morningstar 29 Jul 2026 2:05 pm

Russia charges Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorism

Russia has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities and issued an international arrest warrant, according to state media. The FSB alleged Telegram failed to remove channels and bots allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence to coordinate attacks

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 2:02 pm

Australia confirms local spread of H5 bird flu among wild bird populations

Australia has confirmed local transmission of the highly contagious H5 bird flu virus among wild birds, ending its status as the only continental landmass free of the strain. Authorities say the poultry industry remains unaffected but warn the virus could spread further among wildlife

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 1:42 pm

Akhilesh Yadav blames BJP for paper leaks, questions anti-cheating law

Samajwadi Party MPs staged a protest within the Parliament premises over the embezzlement of donations linked to the Ram Temple

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 1:31 pm

Pakistan Defence Minister calls PoJK protesters 'enemies like India'

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended Islamabad's crackdown on protesters in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling them enemies like India. The remarks came as reports claimed over 40 people were killed during the JAAC-led long march and videos purportedly showed security forces firing on civilians

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 1:25 pm

Babri Masjid demolition remarks: Bombay High Court quashes externment orders against SDPI leaders

The Bombay High Court has quashed externment orders issued by the Mumbai Police against two office-bearers of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), holding that the action failed to satisfy the statutory requirements under the Maharashtra Police Act and amounted to an unjustified restriction on the petitioners fundamental rights. The single-judge Bench of Justice [] The post Babri Masjid demolition remarks: Bombay High Court quashes externment orders against SDPI leaders appeared first on India Legal .

indialegallive 29 Jul 2026 12:58 pm

Failed relationship? Second-year IIT Bombay student dies by suicide a day after classes resume

A second-year IIT Mumbai student died by suicide in his hostel room. Police suspect a failed love affair as the primary reason for his death. His parents were informed and are traveling from Rajasthan to Mumbai. The student was last seen on campus the previous day. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact motive behind the extreme step.

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 12:52 pm

Nadda says student activists should face police action, sparks Rajya Sabha row

He said this when John Britas raised the issue of Delhi Police personnel barging into the CPI(M) office in Delhi

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 12:39 pm

Gorakhpur man arrested for allegedly raping mentally ill woman outside temple

A 55-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a 35-year-old woman with mental health issues while she was sleeping outside a temple in Gorakhpur's Pipraich area. The incident was captured on CCTV, leading to the accused's arrest. Police have recorded the survivor's statement and launched a detailed investigation

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 12:14 pm

Heavy rain predicted for Central India as deep depression prolongs stay

IMD expects the system to continue to unleash another round of drenching rains over Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and east Gujarat today and tomorrow

The Hindu Businessline 29 Jul 2026 12:02 pm

Watch: Is torrential rainfall our new normal? | Tipping Point

This week on Tipping Point, we dive into the climate chaos unfolding across continents. In India, torrential rains have paralyzed life in Mumbai and much of Maharashtra, leaving at least 15 dead and crippling transport systems. Neighbouring Pakistan is reeling under similar monsoon fury. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Europe battles a different extremeraging wildfires ignited by relentless heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures. As South Asia floods and the Mediterranean burns, the episode examines how a warming planet is pushing regions to their breaking point.

The Hindu 29 Jul 2026 11:46 am

CJP warns of fresh protests over FIRs against paper leak protesters

The warning comes after the Supreme Court, while hearing petitions related to the alleged use of excessive force against students protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and other locations, directed that no coercive action be taken against peaceful protesters

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 11:13 am

'Gutter mouth, witch': Rakhi Sawant slams Kangana Ranaut over Gen Z protest remarks

Rakhi Sawant has responded to Kangana Ranaut's comments regarding student protesters. Sawant criticized Ranaut's remarks and questioned her statements about the demonstrations. Ranaut had previously spoken against the use of obscene language during protests. She also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi and his late mother were targeted. The exchange highlights differing views on recent student agitations.

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 11:10 am

13 Indian crew members stranded on cargo ship at Ukraine port

The sailors' union warned that the crew is caught in what it described as a terrible and life-threatening situation, saying those onboard are living in constant fear of a direct hit at any moment as hostilities between Russia and Ukraine continue near the port

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 10:46 am

Amin Patel Urges Voter Protection Amid Redevelopment in Mumbai

Mumbai, July 29: Maharashtra Congress leader and MLA Amin Patel has written to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). In his letter, he requested that voters affected by redevelopment projects be considered during the SIR process. Patel emphasized that the Maharashtra government, along with private developers and housing societies, is undertaking ... Read more Amin Patel Urges Voter Protection Amid Redevelopment in Mumbai

Morningstar 29 Jul 2026 10:39 am

Video: Panic Erupts As Bull Charges Into Crowd During Maharashtra Event, 6 Injured

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, capturing the frantic moments as people scattered while the bull raced through the venue.

NDTV 29 Jul 2026 10:00 am

Japan earthquake: Two dead after Kumamoto mall explosion

Two women died and another was found unresponsive after an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto, hours after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake struck Japan. Authorities suspect a gas leak caused the blast, while rescue teams continue searching the collapsed building amid widespread damage across the affected region

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:33 am

Mid-Day Opinion: So what if Vijay put me to sleep...

The closing credits of Jana Nayagan gets you to revisit the journey of the honourable chief minister thus far!

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:24 am

No plans to negotiate with US: Iran dismisses Trump's claims on possible talks

In remarks given in an interview with State TV and carried by Al Jazeera, Gharibabadi emphasised that the US cannot pick and choose when to engage in conflict or diplomacy

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:23 am

Mid-Day Opinion: Running away from home is never a solution

After due process, the girls were sent back to their home towns and eventually their families

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:20 am

CENTCOM warns Iran after US-Saudi airstrikes target IRGC-backed militias in Iraq

In a statement on X, CENTCOM said that US and Saudi fighter jets targeted multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites in response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks launched within a 72-hour window

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:18 am

Mid-Day Opinion: Indian cities must actively shape travel behaviour

Rather than relying solely on awareness campaigns to encourage the use of public transport, government agencies must work as one to influence commuters through repeated, positive experiences

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:17 am

Iran-backed militia targets hit in Iraq as US, Saudi forces respond to attacks

US and Saudi fighter aircraft struck multiple terrorist logistics and weapons sites across eastern Iraq in a strong response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours, US Central Command said in a statement, using an acronym for Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:12 am

Amit Shah to introduce Births and Deaths Registration Amendment Bill in LS

Apart from this, the government will also bring the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passing

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 9:08 am

Tesla Expands India Presence With Service Center, Model Y Test Drives

Tesla is expanding its presence in India by strengthening both its customer service network and vehicle experience in Pune, a key market for electric vehicle adoption in Maharashtra.

indicanews 29 Jul 2026 8:53 am

Paris startup develops AI-powered drone that hunts and destroys mosquitoes

The companys flagship creation, a 40-gram autonomous quadcopter, actively patrols the sky

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:52 am

Libya protests storm western energy complex over prolonged power cuts

That could cause a complete blackout in multiple areas and collapse the electricity network

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:49 am

Pune women turn Bhosari slum into a zero-waste community

As the Moshi garbage depot tragedy renewed focus on waste management, nearly 70 women from the Shri Krishna Mahila Bachat Gat have transformed Gavali Matha Vasti in Pune's Bhosari MIDC into a zero-waste community. Around 600 households now segregate waste, preventing mixed garbage from reaching the Moshi landfill.

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:48 am

Radio telescopes now being used to monitor space debris

Engineers have used the famed radio telescope at Jodrell Bank in the UK as part of an international plan to watch high-altitude space debris

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:47 am

Fadnavis fast-tracks Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad transit projects

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to expedite the High Capacity Mass Transit Route (HCMTR) and Electric Rapid Transit System (E-RTS) projects to address traffic congestion and support the growing population in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The PCMC has been asked to begin technical and administrative procedures immediately.

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:46 am

Oman wins Gulf backing for plan allowing Iran to collect Hormuz transit fees

Under the Omani proposal, Iran would not exercise sole control and fees would be voluntary, a source told Reuters

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:45 am

Shimla landslide disrupts traffic as over 230 Himachal roads close

A rain-triggered landslide blocked the Cart Road near the Lift in Shimla on Tuesday, disrupting traffic for nearly an hour before authorities cleared the debris. Across Himachal Pradesh, more than 230 roads remain closed, while power distribution transformers and water supply schemes have also been affected by heavy rainfall.

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:40 am

20 killed in Pakistan crackdown on PoK election boycott protests

At least 20 people were reportedly killed after Pakistani security forces launched a crackdown on groups calling for a boycott of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The action primarily targeted the Awami Action Committee, with violence reported in Rawalakot's Dreik Eighth area during the ongoing polls.

Mid Day 29 Jul 2026 8:38 am

Mumbai serial blasts mastermind Tiger Memon's office and 2 flats go under hammer

Three properties linked to Tiger Memon were auctioned Tuesday. These included his Mahim office and two flats in Mumbai. The auction occurred thirty-three years after the 1993 serial blasts. Safema conducted the auction under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act. Multiple bidders participated in the auction for these forfeited assets.

The Times of India 29 Jul 2026 7:23 am

Fadnavis Orders Withdrawal Of Cases Against NEET Protestors

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, also organised a signature campaign at Shivaji Park seeking Pradhans resignation over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Deccan Chronicle 29 Jul 2026 5:56 am

Maharashtras Eknath Shinde Reviews Thane General Hospital Project for World-Class Healthcare

Mumbai, July 29: Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reviewed the operations and construction of the Thane General Hospital. He instructed officials to expedite the project completion. Shinde emphasized that providing world-class and modern healthcare facilities to the residents of Thane and the surrounding Palghar district is a government priority. During a review meeting ... Read more Maharashtras Eknath Shinde Reviews Thane General Hospital Project for World-Class Healthcare

Morningstar 29 Jul 2026 3:29 am

Riya Ahir Welcomes Withdrawal of Cases Against Students, Criticizes Kangana Ranauts Remarks

Mumbai, July 29: Riya Ahir, a student activist, has welcomed the Maharashtra governments decision to withdraw cases against protesters during the student movement. Following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, this move has been seen as a positive step, providing significant relief to the students involved in the protests. In a recent conversation, Ahir expressed ... Read more Riya Ahir Welcomes Withdrawal of Cases Against Students, Criticizes Kangana Ranauts Remarks

Morningstar 29 Jul 2026 1:54 am

CBI files charge sheet in NEET UG 2026 paper leak case

New Delhi, Jul 28: The CBI on Tuesday filed a charge sheet against 13 accused in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, including three paper experts, two associated with coaching centres, middlemen and a number of beneficiary candidates, officials said on Tuesday. In its charge sheet filed before a special court, the CBI invoked charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence and others under the BNS for the alleged offence of criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act and for offences under the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The CBI cited 360 witnesses, 422 documents and 43 material objects in this charge sheet. All 13 chargesheeted persons are in judicial custody as on date, the agency's spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. The agency attached digital forensic analysis reports, handwriting expert opinions and academic experts' opinions regarding leaked questions in its charge sheet. These reports confirmed the role of the accused in circulation of leaked questions prior to the date of examination, the spokesperson said. The CBI was handed over the probe on May 12 regarding irregularities and allegations of paper leak in the NEET-UG 2026 Examinaton held on May 3. The examination was cancelled and later a re-examination was held on June 21. The NEET paper leak issue snowballed into a major political issue. A group of 'Gen Z' led by the Cockroach Janta Party launched a massive protest at Jantar Mantar, which led to the resignation of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After registering the FIR, the CBI swung into action, raiding 92 locations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and other states. During its two-month-long probe, it unearthed the conspiracy from the source of the leak to the beneficiary candidates, leading to the identification of the chain. The CBI has named three arrested National Testing Agency subject experts -- PV Kulkarni (chemistry), Manisha Gurunath Mandhare (biology) and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar (physics) as accused in the case. Manoj Shirure, a Latur-based doctor, Tejas Harshadkumar Shah, a physics faculty at Dr Abhang Prabhu Medical Academy (APMA), a Pune-based coaching centre and Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar of a Latur-based coaching centre were also arrested and named in the charge sheet, officials said. Several middlemen who have sourced and distributed these leaked questions have also been identified and arrested. Two individuals associated with coaching institutes have also been arrested for obtaining these leaked question papers from the above experts, the CBI spokesperson said. The agency said the money trail analysis was done and several bank accounts, bank lockers and a demat account of the accused have been frozen.

Greater Kashmir 29 Jul 2026 12:50 am