In connection with a probe into suspected corruption regarding MBBS admissions under the NRI (Non-Resident Indian) quota at private medical colleges, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at 19 locations around West Bengal on Tuesday, including seven medical colleges. The raids are a part of an investigation that started after a formal complaint was lodged at the Electronic Complex police station, where it was claimed that since 2021, phony documents had been used to get NRI quota admissions.
There are 23 seats available for NRI students at each of the medical schools under scrutiny. For students admitted under the NRI quota, these institutes levy exorbitant tuition fees, which range from Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.7 crore annually. These medical schools are accused of earning almost Rs 28 crore annually via NRI quota admissions, according to ED sources. Claims that fraudulent documents were used to accept students under this quota, resulting in unlawful financial benefit, are at the heart of the investigation.
Vinay Mishra, an absconding Trinamool Yuva leader and the director of one of the medical institutions under investigation, is one of the main figures connected to the alleged wrongdoing. Central agents have been looking into Mishra, who is also connected to a well-known illegal coal smuggling case. Additionally involved is Malay Pit, a close acquaintance of Anubrata Mandal, a well-known Birbhum politician. In addition to being the director of another medical institution, Pit has been connected to the illegal cattle trade and the founding of medical schools in Tripura and West Bengal. Pit denied any misconduct in the face of these accusations, claiming that no student had been admitted since 2021 using the NRI quota.
Laxman Seth, a former CPM leader, had his home in Haldia targeted by the ED as well. It is well known that Seth operates a medical school under the auspices of a nonprofit. There were searches at his home and the nearby hospital. Several people and organizations are accused of being involved in a large-scale unlawful operation involving NRI quota admissions, with corrupt practices resulting to significant financial benefits under the pretense of legitimate admissions. This is the subject of the ED’s inquiry.
The magnitude of the alleged corruption in the state’s medical admissions process was exposed by the raids, which were carried out in multiple places and also targeted properties connected to the medical college proprietors and their associates. The ED is trying to determine the entire scope of the purported scam as part of an ongoing investigation.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
