- Raids Revealed Fake Embassy Seals and Notary Stamps
- Massive Admission Fraud
Article Today, New Delhi:
A large-scale scam in medical education has come to light with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovering irregularities in MBBS admissions under the NRI quota. Investigations revealed that nearly 18,000 students obtained seats across various medical colleges using forged certificates. Officials said the fraud was enabled by agents and institutions that fabricated documents and misused embassy verifications.
Forgery of Certificates
The probe found that students used fake NRI certificates to claim seats. The documents carried forged seals of Indian embassies and fake notary stamps from the United States. In several cases, certificates were issued in the names of family members to bypass eligibility norms. The ED stated that these practices were organised by a network of agents and college administrators.
Seizure of Assets
As part of the investigation, the ED attached fixed deposits worth ₹6.42 crore belonging to a private medical college. In addition, properties and deposits amounting to Rs.12.33 Seizure of Assets As part of the investigation, the ED attached fixed deposits worth ₹6.42 crore belonging to a private medical college. In addition, properties and deposits amounting to Rs.12.33 crore linked to individuals and institutions previously involved in similar practices were seized. Officials said that the scam allowed agents to earn crores by selling admissions in the guise of NRI quota seats.
Misuse of NRI Quota
Rules under the NRI quota require that tuition fees be paid directly by NRI relatives of the student. However, the investigation showed that agents or colleges themselves often paid the fees. In several cases, the names of genuine NRI candidates were misused to secure seats for others. The ED noted that this was a clear violation of established norms.
Raids on Colleges
Following the revelations, the ED conducted raids on several medical colleges and seized large numbers of forged documents. Fake embassy certificates and notary seals were recovered during the searches. The agency alleged that certain State governments, including West Bengal and Odisha, failed to act against these irregularities despite evidence. Officials are also examining whether similar cases occurred in Telangana.
Future of Students in Question
The exposure of the scam has raised concerns about the future of students admitted with forged documents. Authorities have not yet clarified whether these admissions will be cancelled. Meanwhile, demands are growing for strict action against the colleges and agents involved. The ED has confirmed that its inquiry will continue and that further accountability will be fixed.
