Uttarakhand: SIT begins probe into ‘fake’ certificates in MBBS admissions

DEHRADUN: Dehradun police's SIT has started an investigation into the case involving the alleged use of fake freedom fighter dependent certificates for MBBS admissions in Uttarakhand. Cases have also been registered at two separate police stations in the matter.

SP (Rural) Jaya Baluni said that documents related to the admissions where the alleged use of fake freedom fighter dependent certificates came to light have been sought from the officials and departments concerned.

Responding to a question about the possible involvement of an organised gang in this matter, she said the investigation is currently in its initial stage, so it would be premature to draw any such conclusion.

Regarding the demand to investigate alleged fake domicile certificates, the SP (rural) stated that the two cases currently registered pertain to the alleged fraud involving freedom fighter dependent certificates and the admissions secured through them. The SIT is currently investigating this specific aspect, she said.

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Domicile criterion for MBBS admissions

Journalist Pradeep Bahuguna, who brought this matter to light, has now demanded a comprehensive investigation into the domicile certificates used for medical admissions. Bahuguna claimed that during the scrutiny of certificates for dependents of freedom fighters, questions also arose regarding the domicile documents of certain candidates.

He alleged that while FIRs have been registered concerning the freedom fighter dependent certificates, no separate investigation or action has been taken regarding the alleged use of fake domicile certificates.

Bahuguna said that domicile is a crucial criterion for MBBS seats under the state quota, and benefits associated with various reserved categories and sub-categories are granted only upon meeting the requisite eligibility criteria. Citing another instance, he alleged that a candidate named Saumya was initially allotted a seat under the 'SC-Orphaned' category at Doon Medical College, Dehradun.

According to Bahuguna, her admission in Dehradun could not be secured after her caste certificate was subsequently cancelled at the Doiwala tehsil level. He claimed that the same candidate was later allotted a seat in the 'General-Orphaned' category in Haldwani. Questioning the allocation process and the candidate's eligibility, Bahuguna demanded an investigation into the matter.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Medical Education Minister Subodh Uniyal had directed the Dehradun district magistrate to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within a week into the allegations of fraudulent permanent residence and freedom fighter dependent certificates being used for admission into medical colleges.

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350 MBBS aspirants under radar over alleged fake documents

Bahuguna met Uniyal on Friday and submitted a list of approximately 350 candidates, demanding a detailed investigation into their certificates. Bahuguna clarified that he is not claiming that certificates of all candidates on the list are fake. He maintained that available records and admission-related information raise suspicions regarding these cases, necessitating official verification of the documents.

Uniyal said that the government is taking the matter seriously. Suspecting the involvement of a major racket, he has directed the Dehradun District Magistrate to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within a week. The matter has gained significance because the medical admission and counselling process is currently underway in the state.

The minister said that instructions have been issued to complete the investigation quickly so that the status of suspicious cases can be clarified before the admission process concludes. Why the demand to investigate 350 candidates? Bahuguna told PTI that he has compiled a list of about 350 candidates involved in medical admissions whose documents require verification.

He pointed out that many of these candidates completed their high school and intermediate education outside Uttarakhand, while some even took the NEET examination in states like Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. However, studying in another state or taking the NEET exam elsewhere does not, in itself, constitute proof of a forged certificate.

Bahuguna said, "I am not saying that the certificates of all these individuals are fake. But an investigation into their documents is essential. I have identified around 350 names, and it is possible that the actual number of such cases is higher."

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Irregularities found in CSC centres

He demanded an inquiry into whether the permanent residence and other certificates -- used to claim state quota or special category status – were issued in accordance with the rules. He claimed that in one case, the online application status appeared as 'pending,' even though the candidate in question had already been allotted a medical seat.

These claims have not yet been independently verified. According to Bahuguna, his initial inquiry raised questions regarding four 'dependent of a freedom fighter' certificates linked to the same family. Following a complaint, verification was conducted by officials, and the certificates were cancelled after being found to be forged.

He said that the investigation should not be limited to the few cases reported but should be conducted on a broader scale. Bahuguna has also demanded an investigation into the possibility of an organised network operating in this matter.

Acting on the instructions of District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan, authorities sealed four CSC centres and seized certain computers and laptops after irregularities were detected.

According to the administration, the action was taken after irregularities were found in CSC centres' operations and their compliance with regulations. Rohit Negi, a CSC operator in Dehradun, told PTI that the role of a CSC is generally limited to filling out online applications and uploading documents to the portal.

Subsequently, the application moves through the government system; for instance, in cases like permanent residence certificates, the document is issued with the approval of the competent authority following verification at the level of the Tehsil, revenue officials, or the Patwari.

The role of officials responsible for verification and approval is also being questioned in the wake of the complaints. Health Minister Uniyal stated that the matter came to his attention while he was in Australia, and he had issued instructions for an investigation to the concerned District Magistrate from there itself.

According to him, initial investigations revealed that some certificates were fake, and complaints regarding permanent residency certificates have also been received.