ED Raids West Bengal Over Alleged NRI Quota Scam in Medical Colleges
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations in West Bengal on Tuesday, targeting suspected irregularities in Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota admissions in medical colleges. The searches were carried out in Salt Lake, Kolkata, and districts including Birbhum, Durgapur, Jhargram, and Burdwan. Residences of officials from private medical institutions and former CPI(M) leader Lakshman Seth’s premises in Haldia were also searched, with investigations focusing on medical colleges linked to his NGO.
The operation, supported by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), extended to institutions such as Shantiniketan Medical College and Hospital in Bolpur’s Mukul area. The raids follow allegations of large-scale financial irregularities, fraudulent documentation, and manipulation of the NRI quota admissions, reportedly involving substantial bribes. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari first raised the issue in September, accusing senior state health officials of involvement in the scam.
The NRI quota reserves seats for NRIs, Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) who meet NEET-UG qualifications. However, at least eight private medical colleges are now under scrutiny for allegedly exploiting the system. The ED’s investigation aims to uncover a “multi-crore” scam, with key suspects including businessman Malay Pith, whose college in Birbhum is also linked to the cattle smuggling case.
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