The Special Task Force (STF) of the Maharashtra Police on Monday (July 27, 2026) arrested the 15th accused in the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case. The suspect has been identified as Sonu Kumar Kisanlal Diwakar (34). He is a former employee of Mahim Patran Private Limited and a close aide of the prime accused, Bijendra Kumar Gupta.

**Also read | TET paper-leak scam: What it’s all about, how Maharashtra Police busted it | Explained **

According to the police, although Mr. Diwakar left his job at the Agra-based press two years ago, he remained in constant touch with his co-accused, Sanjay.

Two press employees — identified as Babulal and Nicky — handed the TET papers to Sonu and Sanjay. The duo then passed them on to Mr. Gupta, the police added.

The police had been chasing Mr. Diwakar for over 20 days, with a dedicated STF team stationed in Agra. “On Monday (July 27, 2026), he arrived with a lawyer from Delhi. The court placed him under magisterial custody, and we formally arrested him. He will be produced in court on Tuesday (July 28),” Deputy Commissioner of Police Pavan Bansod told The Hindu, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.

Mr. Gupta, the alleged kingpin, was picked up from Bihar on July 25. His wife was also previously arrested for her alleged role in the racket.

“Soon after we registered a complaint, Sonu had gone absconding. He continued to be around Delhi and Agra. We had found out during the investigation that Sonu was the one who had helped Bijendra. We will be able to get more information about his further involvement, once we interrogate him,” Mr. Bansod said.

Published - July 27, 2026 10:41 pm IST