A Delhi court has approved a request from Dhananjay Nivrutti Lokhande, a key accused in the NEET-UG 2026 question-paper leak case, allowing him access to specific books and religious texts during his judicial custody in Tihar Jail.
Special Judge (CBI) Ajay Gupta at the Rouse Avenue Court issued the order on September 1, permitting Lokhande to receive a copy of 'Shriman Yogi,' a biographical novel on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by Marathi author Ranjeet Desai. Additionally, the court allowed him to have printed copies of the Hanuman Chalisa and Mangal Stotra.
Court Directs Adherence to Jail Manual
Lokhande, who was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), had approached the court through his advocate, Vikram Singh. The court's ruling mandates that jail authorities provide the requested material in accordance with the applicable jail manual. The order specifies that Lokhande's family members or authorized counsel may supply the books and religious texts, subject to necessary security checks.
The court stated, "Considering the facts and circumstances and the submissions made on behalf of A-8, concerned jail authorities are directed to provide the religious book to the accused as mentioned in Prayer Clause (a) of the application (which shall be supplied by any of his family member/ his authorised counsel) subject to security check and as per Jail Manual Rules in this regard."
Lokhande's Alleged Role in Paper Leak
This development unfolds as the trial proceedings in the NEET-UG 2026 paper-leak case continue. The CBI has filed a chargesheet against 13 individuals in connection with the alleged leak.
According to the central probe agency's chargesheet, Lokhande is identified as a crucial link in the purported chain of transmission of leaked question papers. The CBI alleges that Lokhande facilitated the movement of these papers from Maharashtra to Haryana and subsequently to Rajasthan. He is accused of sending associates to collect the papers from Pune-based businesswoman Manisha Waghmare, who allegedly obtained them from subject-matter experts associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) panel. The papers were then reportedly passed through other accused before reaching the Biwal family in Rajasthan’s Sikar.
Ongoing Trial Proceedings
During the September 1 hearing, the court also addressed applications concerning the inspection of documents relevant to the case. While some defence lawyers were denied additional time for inspection, counsel for accused Prahalad Kulkarni was granted three extra days to review unread documents at the CBI headquarters.
The court has indicated its intention to proceed with arguments on the framing of charges on a day-to-day basis, underscoring the requirement for an expeditious trial under the amended legal framework.