23 May,2026 01:38 PM IST | Pimpri Chinchwad | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pixabay
A school in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad has suspended a senior Physics lecturer following her arrest in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak case, as investigations into the alleged examination irregularities continue across multiple states, reported ANI.
Seth Hiralal Saraswati Prashala announced immediate action against lecturer Manisha Sanjay Havaldar after her arrest and said it would fully cooperate with the ongoing probe being conducted by central agencies, reported ANI.
The school administration said an internal inquiry committee has also been constituted to examine the matter and review all related aspects.
Dr Satish Gawli, Secretary of Seth Hiralal Saraswati Prashala, said the institution acted immediately after learning about the arrest.
"As soon as we came to know about the arrest, we suspended her and appointed an inquiry committee. We do not support any such activity because it directly affects the future of students," he said.
The school management described the allegations as serious and said the institution had maintained a clean academic record until now.
Dr Gawli said the alleged involvement of a faculty member in the paper leak case came as a major shock to the institution.
He stated that no similar incident had previously been reported at the school or college and termed the development a setback for the institution's reputation.
The administration also said it had no prior knowledge of the alleged activities linked to the examination case.
According to school officials, Havaldar has been associated with the institution for more than three decades and was nearing retirement.
School authorities said Havaldar joined the institution in 1992 as a Physics lecturer and holds M.Sc. and B.Ed. qualifications.
Officials added that she was scheduled to retire on June 30, 2026.
Dr Gawli said the management was unaware of any alleged involvement in examination-related irregularities and maintained that the institution had no connection with the activities under investigation.
The school also stated that it would extend complete cooperation to investigating agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the wider NEET-UG paper leak case.
Meanwhile, authorities have intensified efforts to strengthen the examination process following the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG examination.
The Union Education Ministry has ordered stricter security measures for the re-examination scheduled to be held on June 21.
Officials have also indicated that the NEET-UG examination may shift to a computer-based test (CBT) format from next year in an effort to reduce the risk of paper leaks and examination malpractice.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has also activated a dedicated facility on the NEET-UG 2026 registration portal for eligible candidates to submit their bank account details for examination fee refunds.
According to the agency, candidates can access the refund link by logging into the official portal using their credentials.
The NTA has set May 27, 2026, till 11:50 pm, as the deadline for submission of bank account details.
Officials said the refund process is part of measures being undertaken after the controversy surrounding the examination and subsequent administrative decisions linked to the probe.
(With inputs from PTI)
