ED raids 28 medical colleges nationwide over NRI quota scam, targets former MP Laxman Seth

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a series of raids across 28 medical colleges in India, investigating allegations of corruption linked to the NRI quota system. The operation, which started this morning, includes searches at eight medical colleges in West Bengal, particularly in Bardhaman, Birbhum, and the Taratala area of Kolkata. The focus of the raids is on the owners and institutions associated with these colleges, who are under investigation for allegedly admitting ineligible students under the NRI quota, based on fake certificates and for large sums of money.

As part of the operation, the ED also searched the residence and medical institutions of former CPI(M) Member of Parliament Laxman Seth in Haldia. Seth’s medical and dental colleges, operated through his NGO, are included in the investigation regarding alleged irregularities in the NRI quota admissions. The ED’s action follows ongoing concerns about the misuse of the NRI quota for admission of unqualified students and large financial transactions related to fake documents.

In addition to Seth, the investigation also targets Malay Peet, the owner of a medical college in Birbhum. Peet has been previously linked to multiple criminal charges, including involvement in cattle smuggling and a recruitment scam. The ED is examining his role in the broader network of alleged illegal practices within the medical admission system. The investigation into these medical colleges and their networks aims to uncover the full scope of fraudulent activities affecting the NRI quota admission process across the country.