Dehradun. As the investigation into the fake certificate racket for MBBS admissions through NEET-UG in Uttarakhand progresses, layers of the alleged network are being exposed. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested the alleged masterminds, Rupesh Pandit and Arvind Kumar, and sent them to jail. Currently, 12 suspects are under the radar of the investigation. Following the suspension of two Lekhpals (revenue officials), the role of the Revenue Department has also come under scrutiny.
Allegations of Admission Deals at ₹45 Lakh Per Candidate
According to the police, the investigation revealed that Rupesh Pandit brokered MBBS admission deals at ₹45 lakh per candidate. It has also emerged that an advance of ₹60 lakh in total was taken from the families of three female students in exchange for securing government medical seats under the Freedom Fighter Dependent quota in Uttarakhand. Police are now probing financial transactions and tracing the involvement of individuals linked to the money trail.
SSP Pramendra Dobhal stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved, whether a government employee or a private individual.
Four Certificates Issued Under the Name of a Single Freedom Fighter
Investigations into two lawsuits regarding Freedom Fighter Dependent certificates have so far revealed the names of four candidates. It is alleged that fake certificates were prepared for them using the name of Dharamveer Verma. The SIT is investigating who was involved in creating the certificates, filing applications, and submitting documents.
According to the police, bank accounts and digital evidence retrieved from mobile phones could prove vital to the investigation.
Alleged Organized Operation
Initial police investigations suggest that roles within the alleged gang were well-defined. Some members identified aspiring MBBS candidates, while others arranged for documents and certificates matching their required social or reserved categories. Certain individuals were reportedly tasked with executing the final admission procedures.
Investigating agencies are also working to determine who negotiated the amounts with candidates, through what channels payments were received, and who ultimately received the money.
Bihar Resident Rupesh Pandit Alleged Mastermind
According to the SIT, Rupesh Pandit, a resident of Bihar, had been running a consultancy in Dwarikapuri Colony, Meerut, for nearly five years. Police allege that this consultancy was used to facilitate admissions into various professional courses, including MBBS, across private universities in India and abroad.
Mobile Phones Sent for Forensic Examination
Following the arrest of the two accused, their mobile phones were sent for forensic examination. Police are analyzing call details, conversations, chats, documents, and other digital evidence to identify others connected to the network. Candidates, middlemen, and other contacts are also being investigated.
Two Lekhpals Suspended, Past Cases Under Scrutiny
Following investigation into the fake certificate case, two Lekhpals have been suspended. Consequently, the verification process at the Revenue Department level has also come under the scanner.
Reports indicate that previous complaints against both Lekhpals are being examined. Complaints had previously been filed against them on the Chief Minister’s portal and at the District Magistrate’s office. It is alleged that one Lekhpal prepared documents in about an hour without conducting an on-site inspection, while the other prepared a certificate in 13 days, also omitting a physical home inspection.
18 Seats Reserved Under Freedom Fighter Quota
In Uttarakhand, a total of 18 MBBS seats are designated under the Freedom Fighter quota, including 11 government and seven private seats. During the investigation, it was reported that three admissions have been canceled.
In the cases mentioned, admissions were canceled for a student with 301 marks at Srinagar Medical College, a student with 338 marks at Haldwani Medical College, and a student with 400 marks at Haridwar Medical College. Another female student with 234 marks was found to have a fake certificate.
Timeline: Action Started September 3, Arrests Made September 22
- September 3: Complaint filed regarding fake certificates.
- September 5: Medical Education Minister directed an inquiry.
- September 9: District Magistrate formed an inquiry committee.
- September 10: Freedom Fighter Dependent certificates issued to certain students were revoked.
- September 13: FIRs registered at Raipur and Clement Town police stations.
- September 16: Demand raised to verify permanent residence certificates of state-quota MBBS candidates.
- September 18: SSP constituted a 10-member SIT.
- September 20: SIT seized original documents of a student at Haridwar Medical College and conducted questioning.
- September 22: SIT arrested two accused.
12 Suspects Under SIT Radar
According to SSP Pramendra Dobhal, the scope of the investigation is continuously expanding, with 12 suspects currently under the SIT’s radar. Police stated that further action will follow as digital and financial evidence reveals the roles of other individuals involved.
