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In a stunning exposé that has shaken India’s medical education system, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a nationwide crackdown on a deep-rooted bribery racket involving medical colleges, officials from the National Medical Commission (NMC), intermediaries, and private stakeholders. The investigation has revealed a widespread pattern of corruption in the inspection and regulatory approval process for medical colleges, with bribes worth several crores being exchanged to secure favorable reports.
Findings of the CBI Investigation
The CBI has registered multiple cases, conducted extensive raids, and arrested a total of six individuals in one operation alone, including three doctors, in connection with bribery allegations in Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, located in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
According to CBI officials, a bribe of ₹55 lakh was paid to obtain a favourable inspection report for recognition of the medical college. The money was delivered in Bengaluru, where the agency executed a trap and apprehended the suspects red-handed.
States Where CBI Conducted Raids
The corruption is not localized—the CBI has conducted raids at over 40 locations across:
Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
These coordinated operations have exposed a network of middlemen, college trustees, and NMC officials, all allegedly conspiring to manipulate the statutory inspection process that is critical for medical college recognition.
Bribery Modus Operandi
The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation:
- Colleges paid hefty bribes through hawala or formal banking channels.
- Dummy faculty were arranged during inspections to falsely portray compliance.
- Influential intermediaries arranged advance notice of NMC inspections.
- Assessors submitted pre-drafted positive reports in return for bribes.
One of the most prominent cases involves Fr Joseph Kommareddy, trustee of Father Colombo Institute of Medical Sciences, Warangal, and directors of Gayatri Medical College, Visakhapatnam. The FIR alleges that Fr Kommareddy paid ₹66 lakh across two transactions. Similarly, Dr Krishna Kishore of Gayatri Medical College allegedly collected ₹50 lakh to resolve pending regulatory issues, with funds funneled through both formal and informal routes.
Number of Medical Colleges Under Scanner
While the exact number of colleges is yet to be officially released, it is confirmed that:
- Colleges in at least 8 states are under scrutiny
- Multiple colleges in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh are involved
- Over 36 individuals, including doctors, trustees, and middlemen, have been named in the FIRs
This includes institutions in Warangal, Visakhapatnam, Nava Raipur, and likely more across northern and southern India.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The accused face serious charges under:
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy and bribery
The CBI may pursue custodial interrogation, while forensic analysis of digital and financial records is ongoing.
Among the notable names involved:
- Dr Hari Prasad (Anantapur)
- Dr Ankam Rambabu (Hyderabad)
- Dr Krishna Kishore (Visakhapatnam)
- Dr Virendra Kumar, a key regional coordinator for inspections
- Poonam Meena, Director in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, for allegedly seeking prior inspection schedules
CBI’s Statement
A CBI spokesperson said, “This case is significant in exposing and combating systemic corruption in the medical education sector. We are committed to identifying and prosecuting all individuals and institutions involved in undermining the integrity of the inspection process.”
This scandal brings to light a serious breach of trust in the medical education ecosystem. The inspection process, meant to ensure quality and compliance, has instead become a pay-to-pass scheme, endangering the future of healthcare education and patient safety.
As India expands its medical infrastructure to meet healthcare demands, incidents like these raise serious concerns about regulatory integrity. The role of the CBI in exposing this scam is commendable, but long-term reforms, stricter surveillance, and public accountability are essential to prevent such abuse of power in the future. The ongoing investigation is likely to uncover more names, and the medical education community awaits justice and reform.
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