Uttarakhand: Two arrested in NEET fake certificate case, 12 suspects under scrutiny; scope of investigation expanded
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As the investigation into the case of forged certificates for MBBS admissions via NEET-UG in Uttarakhand progresses, the layers of the alleged network are being uncovered. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested Rupesh Pandit and Arvind Kumar—identified as the masterminds—and sent them to jail. Twelve suspects are now under the investigation’s scanner. Following the suspension of two Lekhpals (revenue officials), the role of the Revenue Department has also come under scrutiny.
Allegation of ₹45 Lakh per Candidate for Admission
According to the police, the investigation revealed that Rupesh Pandit had struck deals for MBBS admissions at a rate of ₹45 lakh per candidate. It has also come to light that a total of ₹60 lakh was collected in advance from the families of three female students in Uttarakhand under the pretext of securing government medical seats for them through the ‘freedom fighter dependent’ quota. The police are now scrutinizing the financial transactions and the roles of the individuals involved.
SSP Pramendra Doval has stated that action will be taken against anyone found involved in the case, whether they are government employees or private individuals.
Four Certificates Issued in the Name of a Single Freedom Fighter
The investigation has reportedly identified four candidates linked to two cases involving ‘freedom fighter dependent’ certificates. It is alleged that forged certificates were prepared for them in the name of Dharamveer Verma. The SIT is investigating the roles played by various individuals in the processes of certificate preparation, application submission, and document filing.
According to the police, digital evidence obtained from bank accounts and mobile phones could prove crucial to the investigation.
Allegation of Organized Operation
Preliminary police investigations suggest that specific roles were assigned to different individuals within the alleged gang. Some members scouted for candidates aspiring for MBBS admission, while others arranged for the preparation of documents and certificates matching the candidates’ social or reserved category status. Certain individuals were reportedly responsible for facilitating the completion of the admission process. The investigative agency is also determining who fixed the amounts charged to candidates, the modes of payment used, and the individuals who ultimately received the money.
Bihar resident Rupesh Pandit accused of being the mastermind
According to the SIT, Rupesh Pandit, a resident of Bihar, had been running a consultancy in Meerut’s Dwarikapuri Colony for nearly five years. Police allege that through this consultancy, admissions were facilitated for various professional courses—including MBBS—in private universities across the country as well as abroad.
Mobile phones sent for forensic analysis
Following the arrest of the two accused, their mobile phones have been sent for forensic analysis. The police are working to identify individuals linked to the alleged network by examining call details, conversations, chats, documents, and other digital evidence. Candidates, middlemen, and other contacts are also being investigated.
Two Lekhpals suspended; past cases also under scrutiny
Two Lekhpals (revenue officials) have been suspended following an investigation into a fake certificate case. Consequently, the Revenue Department’s procedures regarding certificate verification have also come under scrutiny.
The investigation has also brought to light previous complaints filed against both Lekhpals. Records indicate that complaints had previously been lodged against them via 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 a physical site inspection, while the other took 13 days to prepare a certificate—also without inspecting the residence.
Freedom Fighter quota comprises 18 seats
A total of 18 seats are designated under the Freedom Fighter quota for MBBS admissions in Uttarakhand. These include 11 seats in government colleges and seven in private institutions. Information regarding the cancellation of three admissions has emerged during the investigation. The cases cited involve the cancellation of admissions for three female students: one with 301 marks at Srinagar Medical College, another with 338 marks at Haldwani Medical College, and a third with 400 marks at Haridwar Medical College. In the case of another student who scored 234 marks, it was reported that her certificate was found to be forged.
Action initiated on September 3; arrests made on September 22
- September 3:** Complaint filed regarding the forged certificate case.
- September 5:** Minister of Medical Education ordered an inquiry.
- September 9:** District Magistrate constituted an inquiry committee.
- September 10:** ‘Freedom Fighter Dependent’ certificates issued in the names of certain students were cancelled.
- September 13:** Cases registered at Raipur and Clement Town police stations.
- September 16:** Demand raised to verify the permanent certificates of students admitted under the state quota for MBBS.
- September 18:** SSP constituted a 10-member SIT.
- September 20:** SIT seized the original documents of a Haridwar Medical College student and conducted questioning.
- September 22:** SIT arrested two accused individuals.
SIT keeping a close watch on 12 suspects
According to SSP Pramendra Doval, the scope of the investigation is continuously expanding, and 12 suspects are currently on the SIT’s radar. The police state that further action will be taken as the roles of other individuals linked to the case come to light based on digital and financial evidence.
