What does a person accused in one among India’s greatest medical entrance examination controversies select to learn whereas behind bars? For Dhananjay Nivrutti Lokhande, at present lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail within the NEET-UG paper leak case, the reply is a mixture of devotional texts and a guide on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As per numerous media report, Lokhande approached a Delhi courtroom in search of permission to learn the Hanuman Chalisa, Mangal Stotra and ‘Shrimaan Yogi’, Ranjeet Desai’s biographical novel on Shivaji Maharaj. The courtroom allowed his request, topic to jail guidelines and safety checks.In accordance with the Organiser, the order, handed by Particular Choose Ajay Gupta on September 1, permits the books to be equipped by Lokhande’s relations or authorised counsel after the fabric is cleared in keeping with jail procedures.Lokhande is an accused within the CBI’s investigation into the alleged NEET-UG 2026 query paper leak. The company has alleged that he was a part of the chain via which the leaked examination materials was moved from Maharashtra to different elements of the nation. These allegations are but to be established in courtroom.
What did Lokhande ask the courtroom for?
Dhananjay Lokhande, accused within the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case in Could. (ANI)
Lokhande’s software sought permission to obtain the books whereas lodged in Tihar. The courtroom allowed the request however positioned situations on how the fabric may attain him. Particular Choose Ajay Gupta directed the involved jail authorities to supply the spiritual books talked about within the software, offered they had been equipped by a member of the family or authorised counsel and cleared safety checks in accordance with the Jail Handbook.The choice permits Lokhande entry to each devotional literature and a historic work whereas his legal case continues earlier than the particular courtroom.
What the CBI has alleged in opposition to Lokhande
The guide request comes in opposition to the backdrop of a critical investigation into the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. In accordance with the CBI’s case, Lokhande allegedly performed a key function in shifting the leaked examination materials from Maharashtra to different elements of the nation.In accordance with Indian Categorical and numerous media, Lokhande allegedly collected NEET examination materials from Pune-based accused Manisha Waghmare and subsequently transmitted it to Shubham Khairnar. CBI had recognized Lokhande as a key level within the alleged transmission chain from Maharashtra to Haryana after which Rajasthan. In accordance with the company’s account, associates of Lokhande allegedly collected the fabric from Waghmare, after which it was handed to Khairnar. It was then allegedly despatched onwards to Yash Yadav in Gurugram earlier than reaching the Biwal household in Rajasthan’s Sikar. These are allegations made by the investigating company and will likely be examined throughout the authorized proceedings.
22.7 lakh candidates had been affected
The CBI has up to now arrested 13 accused within the case, in keeping with studies.
The NEET-UG 2026 examination was held on Could 3, with greater than 22.7 lakh candidates showing for it, in keeping with media studies.The NTA cancelled the examination following the alleged leak. A re-examination was subsequently carried out on June 21, with the outcomes declared on July 16. The case has since developed right into a wider investigation involving a number of folks throughout Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan.The CBI has up to now arrested 13 accused within the case, in keeping with studies.
What the courtroom’s order means
The permission to obtain the books is proscribed to entry to studying materials. It doesn’t quantity to any discovering in Lokhande’s favour within the paper leak case. The books should go the jail’s safety checks and adjust to jail guidelines earlier than being handed over to him. For now, Lokhande stays in judicial custody whereas the allegations in opposition to him are handled via the continued courtroom proceedings.