ED raids Salt Lake homes in multi-crore NRI medical seat fraud probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple residences in Salt Lake, Kolkata, on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in medical admissions under the NRI quota. The raids were carried out in BC Block, with central forces assisting ED officials. These searches are part of a broader probe into fraudulent practices involving significant sums of money.

The investigation targets multiple private medical colleges in West Bengal, including institutions in Kolkata, Haldia, and Durgapur. Allegations include the use of forged documents to secure postgraduate medical seats reserved under the NRI quota. These seats, intended for Non-Resident Indian students, were allegedly sold to ineligible candidates for large sums.

According to official sources, the complaint that initiated this investigation was filed in April at the Electronics Complex police station. The FIR includes names of individuals linked to private medical institutions and senior officials in the state health department. Investigators are examining whether these officials played a role in facilitating the irregularities.

During the searches, the ED seized documents, electronic devices, and other materials related to the admission process. These items are being analyzed to trace the flow of funds and verify the authenticity of the submitted documents. The focus is on identifying the full scope of the scam, including all beneficiaries and intermediaries involved.

The ED is expected to summon individuals whose names have surfaced in the investigation for questioning. The probe continues as the agency works to uncover details of the alleged financial transactions and fraudulent admissions across multiple medical colleges.