Med admission scam using bogus NRI certs busted in TN

Med admission scam using bogus NRI certs busted in TN 

Colleges And Edu Coaching Centres Involved 

A.Selvaraj@timesofindia.com 12.01.2025

Chennai : The crime branch probe into the NRI certificate scam for under-graduate and postgraduate medical admissions has unearthed a widespread network involving educational counselling centres manipulating the medical admission process. In Nov 2024, the director of medical education said at least 44 doctors had faked their certificates in their applications for postgraduate medical courses in Tamil Na du under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota. 

The directorate also found six MBBS aspirants had forged the embassy certificates, and three of them managed to get seats allotted in self-financing colleges. Their admissions were cancelled. More than half a dozen embassies/consulates of countries, including those of the US, Dubai, Canada, Singapore, Australia and Kuwait, confirmed the “ingenuity” of the certificates given by these candidates. Officials from the embassies also sought an action taken report from the govt. 

The Central Crime Branch’s forgery investigation wing led by assistant commissioner of police M Gayathrion on Saturday uncovered substantial evidence of malpractice during their raids conducted at eight private educational institutions.

105  documents, tech gadgets seized during probe 

During the searches, investigators discovered sophisticated document-forging equipment and multiple sets of fraudulent stamps. The searches were held at Sree Sai Educational Academy, Pallavaram; Meta Neet, Porur; Sri Sai Career Next Academy, Saligramam; Sri Sai Career Next Academy, Nungambakkam; Zion Career Solutions, Velachery; Life Link Education Consultancy, Anna Nagar; Study India Education Consultancy, Ashok Nagar; and Madha Medical College, Kundrathur. 

During the search, 105 incriminating documents relating to the case, 19 seals, 22 computers, two pen drives, five hard disks and mobile phones were seized. The documents will be scrutinised, and further action will be taken, said officials. Police have stumbled upon the involvement of centre owners, staff members and potential middlemen who facilitated these illegal admissions. The investigation also exposed possible collusion between these centres and officials in key positions. The counselling centres were found to be charging exorbitant fees from students, promising guaranteed medical seats under the NRI quota. 

They fabricated documents, including embassy certificates and supporting paperwork, to create false NRI credentials for local candidates. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research initiated a comprehensive review of all NRI quota admissions from previous years to identify potentially fraudulent cases. They are implementing stricter verification protocols for the upcoming admission cycles. The authorities are also examining the financial transactions of these centres to trace the money trail. 

The Tamil Nadu Medical Council has been notified about these findings and may take additional action against any licensed medical professionals found to be involved in the scheme. The state govt is considering new regulations to prevent such fraudulent practices in medical admissions. Students, who unknowingly participated in these fraudulent admissions, are being advised to cooperate with authorities. The investigation continues to expand as more evidence emerges, potentially involving other educational institutions and consultancies across the state.