Article Today, New Delhi:
The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted coordinated searches at 15 locations across 10 States as part of a money-laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the grant of approvals to private medical colleges. The action followed inputs that large sums of money were exchanged to secure permissions and increase the number of seats through the National Medical Commission and its associated bodies.
Focus on Telugu State Medical Colleges
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh figured prominently in the operation. Officials said searches were conducted at six locations across the two States. In Hyderabad, premises linked to the management of two corporate medical colleges were covered. In Warangal district, teams searched the facilities associated with Father Colombo Medical College. In Andhra Pradesh, offices of recently established medical colleges in and around Vijayawada and Guntur were inspected.
Alleged Donations and Hawala Routes
According to officials, preliminary findings suggest that several colleges, which secured approvals in the last three years, collected large sums as capitation fees from students. The agency suspects that a portion of this money was routed to senior officials in Delhi through hawala channels. Financial records, bank account details, laptops, and digital storage devices were seized during the operation for further analysis.
Regulatory Lapses Under Scanner
The investigation has also brought renewed focus on the functioning of regulatory bodies. In the past, complaints were raised about approvals being granted despite serious deficiencies in infrastructure, faculty strength, and hospital facilities. Earlier inquiries by central agencies had led to the arrest of some officials in inspection teams and the cancellation of permissions granted to a few colleges.
Previous Action on Approvals
Sources said that some colleges, including one in the Warangal region, had earlier faced cancellation of permissions over violations. However, they later managed to regain approvals under disputed circumstances. In another case near Hyderabad, additional seats were allegedly sanctioned despite the institution lacking the required facilities, raising questions over regulatory oversight.
Political Links Under Scrutiny
Investigators are also examining possible political connections in the case. Official sources indicated that the names of relatives of certain political figures may surface as the probe progresses. Similar investigations in other States in the past had revealed links between educational trusts and politically influential individuals.
Expanding the Probe
With the seizure of financial and digital evidence, the Enforcement Directorate is expected to widen the scope of the investigation. Officials said further summons and questioning of key individuals associated with the colleges and regulatory bodies are likely in the coming days.
