Maharashtra TET paper leak: Bhiwandi court remands 14 accused to police custody until Aug 3

Bhiwandi: A court in Bhiwandi has remanded all 15 accused, including the alleged mastermind, in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-2026 paper leak case to judicial custody till August 17, while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its extensive probe into what investigators believe is a well-organised interstate examination racket.Alleged Mastermind Among Those Produced in CourtThe accused were produced before the court on Monday after the expiry of their police custody. Among them was Sonu Diwakar, who had recently surrendered before the court. He was remanded to one-day police custody on August 2 following his surrender and was produced again along with the other accused on Monday. The court subsequently sent all 15 accused to judicial custody until August 17.The case first came to light on June 27, a day before the scheduled TET examination, when the Bhiwandi Police arrested three persons allegedly in possession of confidential question paper sets. During the preliminary investigation, police confirmed that the seized papers belonged to the TET examination scheduled for June 28. Following the revelation, the Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) cancelled the examination with immediate effect, citing the seriousness of the breach.Considering the magnitude of the case, an SIT was constituted to investigate the paper leak and identify the entire network behind the operation.Investigation Uncovers Wider ConspiracyAs the investigation progressed, the SIT uncovered what officials described as a sophisticated syndicate allegedly involved in leaking the examination papers. The probe led to the arrest of several more accused, including the wife of the alleged kingpin, Bijender Gupta. With the latest developments, the total number of arrests in the case has reached 15.The SIT had earlier traced the alleged mastermind Bijender Gupta to Samastipur in Bihar, where he was arrested along with another key accused, Indrajit Singh, before both were brought to Maharashtra for further investigation.Joint Interrogation Conducted to Reconstruct PlotInvestigators subsequently sought the custody of all the accused together, arguing that a joint interrogation was essential to reconstruct the conspiracy and establish the role of each individual in the operation. Acting on the request, the Bhiwandi Police re-arrested the accused on July 25 and produced them before the court, which initially granted police custody till July 30.During subsequent hearings, the prosecution informed the court that investigators needed additional time to conduct face-to-face interrogation of all the accused. According to the police, such questioning was crucial to establish the financial trail behind the alleged deal, examine the movement of funds, identify the roles played by each accused, and determine how the confidential question papers were allegedly smuggled out of the printing press before the examination.Court Orders Judicial Custody After Police ProbeThe police also maintained that the interrogation was necessary to expose the complete operational structure of the syndicate and identify every individual connected with the conspiracy. Accepting these submissions, the court had earlier extended the police custody till August 3.With the police custody period ending on Monday, all the accused were once again produced before the Bhiwandi court. After considering the present stage of the investigation, the court remanded all 15 accused to judicial custody till August 17.Jai Hind College's Arthanomics 2026 Returns With ‘The Unaccounted Economy’ ThemeSpeaking on the progress of the investigation, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vijay Marathe, who is supervising the SIT probe, said the investigation was advancing on multiple fronts and several significant leads had emerged during the course of the inquiry.He said the investigators had gathered crucial evidence pointing towards the involvement of additional individuals connected to the paper leak network. Marathe added that anyone found to have played a role in the conspiracy would face legal action, and further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.Police officials suspect that the examination paper leak was orchestrated by an organised interstate network with links extending beyond Maharashtra. Investigators believe that more disclosures are expected in the coming days as the SIT continues to analyse digital evidence, financial transactions, and the alleged communication chain among the accused. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in

Bhiwandi: The investigation into the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case gathered further momentum on Thursday after the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) S.S. Ghodke remanded 14 accused to police custody till August 3.Of the 14 accused, 12 had earlier been lodged in judicial custody, while two were already in police custody. With the latest order, investigators now have access to all 15 arrested accused, making it possible to conduct a face-to-face interrogation of every suspect involved in the case.Police believe the joint questioning will help establish the sequence of events, expose contradictions in the statements of the accused, and uncover the operational structure of the alleged examination paper leak syndicate. Arrests of Alleged Kingpin and Absconding Accused Changed the Course of ProbeThe investigation gained significant momentum after the alleged kingpin, Bijender Gupta, and his associate Indrajeet Singh alias Piku were arrested on July 25.The probe received another boost when absconding accused Sonu Kumar Diwakar surrendered before the Bhiwandi court on July 28, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 15.ISRO URSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026: Registration Underway For 410 Posts; Apply Until August 28 With every accused finally in custody, the investigating team moved the court seeking police custody of those who had earlier been sent to judicial custody so that all accused could be interrogated together.Police Stress Need for Joint InterrogationDuring the hearing, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vijay Marathe argued that simultaneous interrogation of all accused was essential for a fair and comprehensive investigation.He submitted before the court that investigators needed to match digital evidence, mobile phone records, electronic data, banking transactions and other documentary evidence with the statements of the accused.The prosecution further argued that only a coordinated interrogation would enable police to establish the complete conspiracy, identify communication links between the accused and determine the precise role played by each individual in the alleged paper leak.Accepting these submissions, the JMFC court remanded the 12 accused who had been in judicial custody, along with two others already in police custody, to police custody till August 3.ICAI To Reopen CA Final November 2026 Exam Application Window: Registration From August 1 All 15 Accused to Face Cross-Examination TogetherSpeaking to The Free Press Journal, ACP Vijay Marathe said accused Sonu Kumar Diwakar was already in police custody until August 2. Following Thursday's court order, the remaining 14 accused have also been placed in police custody, enabling investigators to interrogate all 15 accused together.He said investigators would conduct detailed cross-examinations while simultaneously analysing seized mobile phones, electronic records, digital evidence, financial transactions and other technical material collected during the investigation.Police are also trying to determine the exact point from where the confidential TET question paper was allegedly leaked, identify every individual involved at different stages of the operation and ascertain whether more people were part of the network.Digital and Financial Evidence Under ScannerAccording to investigators, the next phase of the probe will focus heavily on digital forensics and financial analysis.Police are expected to compare the statements of all accused with electronic evidence, call records, financial transactions and other technical documents to identify inconsistencies and reconstruct the alleged flow of information and money within the syndicate.'Whole System Must Be Held Accountable': NEET UG 2026 Highest-Ranking Candidate Outside India Speaks To FPJ | Exclusive Investigators believe the coordinated interrogation may reveal previously unknown links between the accused and help identify additional suspects connected with the alleged examination fraud.Defence Says Accused Will CooperateDuring the proceedings advocates Narayan Ayyar, Jitendra Patil and Shailesh Gaikwad appeared for the accused.The defence informed the court that the accused were willing to cooperate with the investigation and would assist the authorities in bringing the facts of the case before the court.Crucial Phase of Investigation BeginsThe Maharashtra TET paper leak case has drawn nationwide attention because of the alleged scale of the conspiracy and the involvement of accused from multiple states.Investigators believe the next few days will be decisive, as the simultaneous interrogation of all 15 accused could help establish the hierarchy of the alleged syndicate, trace the movement of confidential examination papers and identify the role of every individual connected with the operation.With police custody now secured till August 3, investigators are expected to intensify questioning and technical analysis. The findings from this phase of the probe are likely to determine the future course of the investigation and could potentially lead to fresh disclosures and additional arrests.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Bhiwandi: In a significant development in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case, fugitive accused Sonu Diwakar 35 Agara Uttar Pardesh surrendered before the Bhiwandi court on Monday, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 15. Following his surrender, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) took him into custody for interrogation, hoping his questioning will help unravel crucial links in the paper leak syndicate, particularly the movement of the leaked question papers and the financial transactions behind the conspiracy.The TET paper leak, which surfaced barely 24 hours before the state-wide examination scheduled on June 28, triggered a major controversy across Maharashtra. The case first came to light on June 27, when the Kongaon Police in Bhiwandi unearthed the racket and arrested three suspects during an operation conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Pawan Bansode. As the investigation expanded, the SIT carried out raids across several states, leading to multiple arrests linked to the organised examination fraud.With Diwakar's surrender, the number of arrested accused has now reached 15. Among those already in police custody are the alleged mastermind Bijendra Gupta and Inderjit Singh alias Piku, while Suman Kumari Gupta, Naresh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Mithun Kumar and several others have been remanded to judicial custody.Key Role in Smuggling Question Papers From Printing PressAccording to investigators, Sonu Diwakar played a crucial role in the conspiracy by facilitating the illegal extraction of the TET question papers from the printing facility where they were produced.Police said Diwakar is a former employee of Mahim Patram Private Limited, the Agra-based printing press entrusted with printing the confidential TET examination papers.Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijay Marathe said the SIT had been tracking Diwakar for several days. Preliminary findings indicate that he allegedly worked in coordination with other employees of the printing press to remove the confidential question papers and pass them on to the alleged mastermind, Bijendra Gupta.Investigators believe Diwakar went underground after Gupta's arrest, fearing imminent detention. Under mounting pressure, he eventually surrendered before the Bhiwandi court on Monday.The court subsequently handed him over to the SIT for custodial interrogation to facilitate further investigation.SIT to Examine Digital Evidence and Financial TrailThe SIT is now focusing on establishing Diwakar's exact role in the conspiracy by examining his mobile phone, electronic devices and other digital evidence.Investigators are also expected to scrutinise whether he received any financial benefit in exchange for leaking the examination papers, the amount involved, the mode of payment, and the individuals who facilitated the transactions.Officials said the probe will extend to bank accounts, digital payment records, call detail records (CDRs) and other electronic evidence to reconstruct the financial network allegedly operating behind the paper leak.Police believe Diwakar's interrogation could provide crucial leads regarding the syndicate's financial operations and help identify additional individuals involved in the organised examination fraud.One Accused Still AbscondingPolice said Prakash Digambar Misal, another accused in the case, continues to evade arrest.The SIT has launched search operations in Maharashtra and other states to trace him. Officials expressed confidence that he would be apprehended soon as the investigation gathers momentum.DCP: Security Lapses at Printing Press ExploitedSpeaking on the investigation, DCP Pawan Bansod said preliminary findings suggest that the alleged mastermind Bijendra Gupta and his associates exploited security loopholes at the printing press to gain access to the confidential examination papers.He said the timely intervention by the Thane Police prevented the leaked papers from being widely circulated and enabled investigators to expose a well-organised interstate network involved in the crime.Bansode added that although 15 accused have been arrested so far, the investigation remains active and further arrests cannot be ruled out as new evidence emerges during interrogation and forensic analysis.Maharashtra CET Cell Withdraws Engineering Seat Acceptance Fee Hike For 2026-27 AdmissionsFour Accused Move Bail PleasMeanwhile four accused currently in judicial custody Suman Kumari Gupta, Naresh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Sharma and Mithun Kumar have filed bail applications before the Bhiwandi court.According to defence counsel Advocate Shailesh Gaikwad, the court is scheduled to hear the bail pleas on Wednesday.The SIT continues to focus on uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy, identifying every individual involved in the leak, tracing the financial transactions, and securing digital evidence that could strengthen the prosecution's case.Investigators maintain that the probe has reached a crucial stage and expect several more significant revelations in the coming days as they piece together the interstate network allegedly responsible for compromising one of Maharashtra's most important teacher recruitment examinations.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Bhiwandi, July 25, 2026: In a major breakthrough in the Maharashtra Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak investigation, the Bhiwandi Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested the alleged mastermind, Bijendra Kumar Gupta (43), along with his associate, Indrajit Singh alias Piku (30), from Bihar's Samastipur district. The duo was produced before a Bhiwandi court on Saturday after transit formalities in Patna, and the court remanded them to police custody till July 30. Investigators claim the entire conspiracy was executed by exploiting security loopholes at an Agra-based printing press, while the total number of arrests in the case has now risen to 14.The alleged mastermind of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak, Bijendra Gupta, has been arrested from Bihar after evading police for nearly a month. pic.twitter.com/thhKVeA4R9— Zeennat Rana (@izeennatrana) July 25, 2026Mastermind Arrested After HuntAfter nearly a month of intensive investigation, the SIT traced Gupta to Samastipur, where he had allegedly been changing locations frequently to evade arrest. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Bhiwandi Zone II, Pawan Bansod, told The Free Press Journal that Gupta had switched off his mobile phone and remained underground after several members of the syndicate, including his wife, were arrested.However, investigators discovered that Gupta remained in contact with one of his close associates. By analysing the associate's Call Detail Records (CDR) and mobile location, the police tracked both men and arrested them in Bihar.Following legal formalities at Patna Airport Police Station, the accused were brought to Bhiwandi via Pune and produced before the court, which granted police custody till July 30.Bhiwandi, Maharashtra: In the TET paper leak case, a total of 14 accused have been arrested so far. The two accused arrested today will be produced before the Bhiwandi court, DCP Pawan Bansod says, "The Maharashtra Police detected the paper leak before the examination was held.… pic.twitter.com/3w8v0L7DB7— IANS (@ians_india) July 25, 2026Bail Pleas Await HearingMeanwhile, four accused already lodged in judicial custody have approached the Bhiwandi court seeking bail.The applicants include Suman Kumari Gupta, wife of Bijendra Kumar Gupta, along with Naresh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, and Mithun Kumar. Their bail applications are scheduled to be heard on Monday (July 27).Police officials said they would strongly oppose the bail pleas, arguing that the investigation is at a crucial stage and several aspects of the conspiracy are yet to be uncovered.Printing Press Security BreachAccording to DCP Bansod, the investigation has revealed that the paper leak originated from an Agra-based Mahim Patram printing press, where question papers for competitive examinations conducted by different states were printed.Investigators believe the accused exploited serious security lapses inside the facility. Gupta allegedly maintained close contacts with both current and former employees of the printing press, enabling the syndicate to obtain confidential information and eventually access the examination papers.Police suspect that after multiple meetings and careful planning, the question paper was illegally taken out of the press and distributed among members of the syndicate.Officials believe the crime was not an isolated act but a meticulously planned operation involving several individuals over an extended period.Delhi Meetings TrackedThe SIT has also uncovered evidence indicating that Gupta held multiple meetings at his Delhi residence with previously arrested accused Rajeev Shaw, Dheeraj Singh, and Pawan Yadav.According to investigators, these meetings focused on the supply of the question paper, financial transactions, and the distribution strategy.Police claim that CCTV footage and electronic evidence have corroborated these meetings, strengthening the prosecution's case.Investigation Began In KongaonThe investigation began after the Kongaon Police allegedly posed as prospective buyers and apprehended three accused carrying leaked TET question papers on June 27.The arrests led to the recovery of crucial evidence and prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team.As the probe progressed, investigators uncovered an interstate network extending across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar.Police further stated that, after learning about the Kongaon operation, accused Kapil Dahiya and another associate, who were reportedly in Pune, fled through Mumbai Airport using fake Aadhaar cards and forged identities. They remain absconding, and multiple police teams are conducting searches in different states.Arrests Reach 14With the arrest of Gupta and Indrajit Singh, the total number of arrests in the case has reached 14.Those arrested include the alleged mastermind, his wife, employees associated with the printing press, and several active members of the syndicate.Police sources said Sonu Diwakar and Prakash Digambar Misal are still absconding. Investigators have also identified several additional suspects during interrogation and believe more arrests are likely in the coming days.Money Trail Under ProbeThe investigation has further revealed that Gupta allegedly paid around Rs 16 lakh, through both cash and online transactions, to Pawan Yadav, Sonu, and Sanjay Sharma for procuring the TET question paper from the printing press.According to investigators, the syndicate intended to sell the leaked paper to candidates in Maharashtra for a much higher amount and generate substantial illegal profits.The SIT is currently examining bank accounts, digital payment records, mobile wallet transactions, and cash movements to establish the complete money trail.Communication Network AnalysedInvestigators said the analysis of Call Detail Records (CDRs) has confirmed continuous communication between Gupta and several arrested accused.The SIT is now trying to determine how many copies of the leaked question paper were prepared after being removed from the printing press, who received them, and how many candidates across Maharashtra, including Pune, may have gained access to the leaked material.Officials suspect the network may extend beyond Maharashtra and have links with similar rackets operating in other states.Fake Documents UsedThe investigation has also highlighted the alleged role of accused Mithun Singh and Sonu Singh in preparing forged identity documents.According to police, the duo created fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and driving licences, which were then used to obtain SIM cards. These mobile numbers allegedly served as the primary communication channel for the syndicate.Officials said the use of forged identities initially made it difficult to trace the accused, but digital evidence and technical surveillance eventually helped investigators piece together the network.Look Out Circular IssuedThe Bhiwandi Police had earlier issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against the then absconding alleged mastermind Bijendra Kumar Gupta and his associate Kapil Dahiya to prevent them from fleeing the country and facilitate their arrest.Police officials said the investigation is no longer confined to the arrested accused. The SIT is now working to identify agents, middlemen, printing press insiders, and prospective buyers who may have played a role in the alleged conspiracy at various stages.Investigators believe that custodial interrogation of the accused, along with forensic examination of digital evidence and technical analysis, could lead to the exposure of several more individuals linked to the alleged paper leak syndicate.Background Of The AccusedPolice said Gupta is a resident of Samastipur district in Bihar. He reportedly completed his Higher Secondary education at MRPD College and later obtained a computer diploma in Begusarai in 2001.He subsequently started a coaching institute and allegedly claimed to train students preparing for medical entrance examinations.Investigators believe his association with competitive examination coaching eventually brought him into contact with paper leak networks, where he allegedly rose to become a key organiser.Cases Across StatesPolice records indicate that Gupta has previously faced allegations in paper leak cases registered in different states.A case was registered against him in Danapur, Patna, in 2022, while the Crime Branches of Cuttack and Balasore in Odisha also booked him in 2023 under serious charges related to examination paper leaks.Investigators are now examining records from those cases to determine whether they are linked to the present Maharashtra TET paper leak investigation.Cash Seized From Co-AccusedPolice also recovered Rs 1.5 lakh in cash from co-accused Indrajit Singh during his arrest.Investigators suspect the money may be linked to transactions carried out by the paper leak syndicate. The source of the cash and its connection with the conspiracy are currently under investigation.Probe Expands InterstateThe SIT said the investigation is no longer limited to those already arrested. The focus has now shifted to identifying every individual involved in the chain, including agents, middlemen, printing press insiders, financiers, and prospective buyers.Also Watch: Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: Alleged Mastermind, One Associate Arrested In Bihar; Total Arrests Reach 14 As Bhiwandi Police Begin Fresh Interrogation | VIDEOOfficials believe the digital evidence collected so far, combined with custodial interrogation of the accused, could lead to significant breakthroughs in the coming days.Police are hopeful that the investigation will expose a much larger interstate examination paper leak network and establish how the confidential TET question paper was leaked, transported, and intended to be sold before the examination.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Bhiwandi, July 25, 2026: In a major breakthrough in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak investigation, the Bhiwandi Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested the alleged mastermind, Bijender Kumar Gupta (43), along with his associate, Indrajit Singh alias Piku (30), from Samastipur, Bihar. Another associate was also apprehended during the operation, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 14.Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pawan Bansod confirmed the development to The Free Press Journal. Following the completion of transit formalities in Bihar, the accused were flown to Pune and have now been brought to Bhiwandi by the police team. They are expected to be produced before a local court on Saturday, where the police will seek their custody for detailed interrogation.Bhiwandi, Maharashtra: Bhiwandi Police have arrested a total of 14 accused so far in the TET paper leak case. Among them, Indrajit Singh alias Piku, along with Bijendra Kumar and his associate, were arrested from Bihar pic.twitter.com/X92zERyPiG— IANS (@ians_india) July 25, 2026Investigators believe Bijender Kumar Gupta, a resident of Samastipur district in Bihar, was the kingpin of the organised examination paper leak syndicate. Police suspect he played a central role in coordinating the procurement, distribution, and sale of confidential examination papers through an interstate network that allegedly operated across several states.Interstate Hunt Ends In BiharThe SIT and Bhiwandi Police had launched an extensive manhunt spanning Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana to trace Gupta and his associates. Multiple raids were conducted in Patna and Samastipur over the past several weeks. After remaining absconding for an extended period, Gupta was finally tracked down and arrested in Bihar along with Indrajit Singh alias Piku and another associate.Their arrest is being viewed as a crucial development that could help investigators dismantle the larger network allegedly involved in leaking competitive examination papers.Total Arrests Reach 14With the latest arrests, the total number of accused held in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case has increased to 14.Earlier, police had arrested Rajiv Kumar, Akash Kumar, Dheeraj Kumar, and several other accused, including Suman Gupta, the wife of Bijender Kumar Gupta. Investigators allege that many of the previously arrested accused were operating under Gupta's directions as part of a well-organised criminal network.Question Papers RecoveredThe case first came to light on June 27, when Bhiwandi Police received specific intelligence inputs about the Maharashtra TET examination paper being leaked ahead of the scheduled test.Acting swiftly, police raided a location in Bhiwandi and arrested Rajiv Kumar, Akash Kumar, and Dheeraj Kumar. During the operation, investigators recovered complete sets of the confidential TET question papers from their possession. Subsequent investigations revealed that the accused were allegedly working on the instructions of Bijender Kumar Gupta.The Maharashtra TET examination, which was scheduled to be held on June 28, was cancelled barely 24 hours before its commencement after the paper leak came to light, affecting thousands of aspiring candidates across the state.Financial Trail Under ProbeInvestigators are now expected to conduct an extensive interrogation of Bijender Kumar Gupta and the newly arrested accused after securing their police custody.Officials said the focus of the investigation will be on identifying the remaining absconding accused, tracing the financial transactions linked to the racket, and uncovering the interstate network allegedly involved in the illegal circulation of examination papers.The SIT is also examining the role of middlemen, financiers, and other facilitators who may have helped operate the syndicate. Investigators believe the accused may possess crucial information regarding the movement of question papers, money transfers, and the identities of beneficiaries.Long Network Under ScannerAccording to sources associated with the investigation, Bijender Kumar Gupta is suspected of having links with examination paper leak operations spanning nearly 25 years. Police are verifying his alleged involvement in similar cases registered in different states and examining whether the network has influenced multiple recruitment and competitive examinations over the years.Officials believe Gupta's custodial interrogation could reveal the structure of the syndicate, expose additional members operating across states, and help establish whether the organisation functioned as a long-standing organised crime network.Also Watch: Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: Main Accused Bijendra Kumar Gupta Arrested In Bihar The investigation is also expected to determine the full extent of the racket, including the number of examinations allegedly compromised and the financial gains generated through the illegal operation.With the arrest of the alleged mastermind and his associates, investigators expect significant progress in one of Maharashtra's biggest examination paper leak cases, while further arrests are likely as the probe continues.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

According to police sources, the Bhiwandi police arrested Bijendra Gupta, and the accused in the paper leak case has been brought to Pune Airport and will be taken to Bhiwandi from there