Maharashtra TET paper leak: three arrested, mastermind absconding as exam remains postponed

A state-appointed Special Investigation Team on July 3 arrested Nareshkumar Mahore, Sanjaykumar Sharma, and Babulal Kushwaha, all employees of an Agra-based private printing firm

More than six lakh candidates were affected after the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) was postponed following an alleged question paper leak. Police have arrested three people and are investigating what they believe is a larger inter-State paper leak network with possible links to similar scams in other States. Here’s what happened, how the alleged racket was uncovered, and why the investigation could have wider implications.

The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak has affected more than 6 lakh candidates who were scheduled to appear for the examination.

Thane Police have arrested Suman Kumari, the wife of absconding accused Bijendra Kumar Gupta, from Patna in connection with the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case as per the IANS report. The arrest comes as investigators intensify efforts to trace Gupta, who has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the racket.Thane Police have arrested Suman Kumari, wife of Bijendra Kumar Gupta, from Patna in connection with the TET paper leak case: Thane Police pic.twitter.com/rj3eC3UpAi— IANS (@ians_india) June 30, 2026 Mastermind Identified; Multi-State Probe UnderwayAs reported by India Today, the Samastipur resident Bijendra Gupta has been identified as the alleged mastermind in the Maharashtra TET paper leak case. Gupta is currently absconding, and police teams have conducted raids in Patna and Samastipur to trace him. The investigation has widened across multiple states, while the TET 2026 examination remains postponed pending verification of the seized question papers.Alleged Long-Running Exam Leak NetworkAccording to India Today, Gupta is suspected of being involved in examination paper leak networks for over 25 years. His alleged network is linked to several recruitment exam leaks, including the 2023 Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) exam, as well as examinations conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) and the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC).How the TET Paper Leak Was ExposedThe alleged leak came to light after Bhiwandi Police received information that individuals from Delhi and Haryana had travelled to Mumbai to sell the TET question paper ahead of the examination. Acting on the tip-off, police laid a trap in Kongaon area of Thane and arrested three accused — Akash, Rajiv and Dheeraj. Four sets of question papers were recovered during the operation.During questioning, the accused allegedly revealed Gupta’s role, leading investigators to identify him as the mastermind. Police suspect the paper was being sold in deals worth crores of rupees.TET 2026 Exam Postponed; SIT FormedFollowing the allegations, the Maharashtra government postponed the TET 2026 exam, originally scheduled for June 28. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.Officials from the Education Department are verifying whether the recovered papers are the actual TET question paper or mock test material. The next course of action will depend on the outcome of this verification.Investigation Expanded Across StatesMaharashtra Police have expanded the probe beyond the state, examining possible links in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, while continuing efforts to trace Bijendra Gupta.

Maharashtra police arrested three suspects for selling TET exam question papers for Rs 1.5 crore in Bhiwandi after a police trap.

The announcement came a day after the alleged leak of the TET 2026 question paper forced the postponement of the examination scheduled for last Sunday.