The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 paper leak has identified a Bihar resident as the alleged mastermind behind the examination scam, uncovering what investigators described as an inter-state network spanning multiple states.
According to SIT sources, another key accused has been traced to Haryana, with efforts underway to locate and arrest all those linked to the alleged organised racket responsible for leaking the examination paper.
The development comes a day after several accused arrested in the case were produced before a court in Bhiwandi as the investigation gathered pace.
Public Prosecutor Advocate Maria Ansari said the probe would continue until July 6, by which time the police expect to produce the main accused from Maharashtra before the court.
"The investigation will continue until the 6th. The team has to complete inquiries by the 6th. The main accused, from Maharashtra, will be presented in court by that date. One of the accused has also received medical treatment," Ansari told reporters.
Also read: Maharashtra postpones TET exam over question paper 'leak'
The case surfaced after Bhiwandi Police, acting on intelligence inputs, conducted a raid and detained three people allegedly linked to the paper leak. Officials said multiple sets of question papers were recovered during the operation, confirming that confidential examination material had been compromised.
Following the raid, the Thane Police constituted an SIT to investigate the alleged leak and identify the wider network involved. Authorities have said stringent action will be taken against those found responsible.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has proposed invoking the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the alleged masterminds, signalling a tougher legal approach to organised examination fraud.
The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) subsequently postponed the Teacher Eligibility Test, originally scheduled for June 28, after receiving information that confidential question papers had been accessed before the examination.
The examination was to be conducted at 1,028 centres across Maharashtra. In a public notice, the MSCE said it had implemented enhanced security measures following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, but acted swiftly to postpone the examination after receiving credible inputs about the alleged breach.
The SIT is continuing investigations to trace the remaining accused and determine the full extent of the inter-state network behind the leak.
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