8 private medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal under investigation for irregular admissions
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the influential connections linked to a major scam involving irregularities in medical admissions under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota in private medical colleges in West Bengal. The probe is focused on political ties and suspicious financial transactions, reported gulfnews.com.
ED is investigating political links and fictitious financial transactions related to the NRI quota medical admission scam in West Bengal.
According to sources, the investigation is driven by two key findings—communication between the racket’s leaders and politically connected individuals, and evidence of fictitious bank transactions. ED officials have also traced links to politically influential families whose members allegedly secured admissions under the NRI quota without meeting the required criteria.
Private Medical Colleges Under the Scanner
Eight private medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal are currently being investigated over allegations that admissions under the NRI quota were granted in exchange for large cash payments. The probe began in December last year following a specific complaint filed at a local police station on the northern outskirts of Kolkata.
The ED is continuing its investigation, focusing on both financial trails and the involvement of high-profile individuals in the admission scam
Since the probe started, ED officials have conducted multiple raid and search operations. The most recent raid occurred on Thursday, with earlier raids in December targeting premises linked to two politically connected figures.
One of the key locations raided was the residence of former CPI(M) Lok Sabha member Lakshman Seth in Haldia, East Midnapore. Seth operates an NGO that manages private medical and dental colleges. In Birbhum, the investigation focused on a private medical college owned by businessman Malay Pith, who was previously linked to the multi-crore cattle smuggling case.
Political Allegations Spark Investigation
The irregularities were first highlighted in September last year by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. He alleged widespread cash-based admissions through fake certificates and accused senior officials of the state health department of involvement.
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