Nagpur: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the alleged NEET-UG paper leak case, with a Delhi-based team conducting searches at the homes of three students in Nagpur on Tuesday. The raids were carried out in areas falling under the jurisdictions of Kotwali and Ganeshpeth police stations, triggering a stir in the city.

According to sources, the students under scrutiny were reportedly enrolled in a coaching institute operated by Motegaonkar in Latur, which has come under the scanner in connection with the nationwide examination leak investigation. Along with the students, their parents were also questioned by the CBI team during the searches.

The NEET-UG examination was conducted across the country on May 3. However, shocking allegations later surfaced claiming that the question paper had reached certain coaching class operators nearly 42 hours before the examination. Following the controversy, the investigation was handed over to the CBI.

So far, the agency has launched operations in five states and detained coaching institute operators, admission facilitators, and students suspected of purchasing the leaked paper. Investigators believe Maharashtra emerged as a major hub in the alleged racket, with links traced to Nanded, Latur, Nashik, Pune, Nagpur, and Chandrapur.

Sources said the three Nagpur students are suspected of having purchased the leaked paper, prompting the searches and questioning. Meanwhile, agencies involved in securing medical college admissions through NEET are also reportedly under the CBI’s radar as the investigation widens.