Delhi Police have dismantled a sophisticated fraud ring that allegedly targeted aspiring medical students and their families with promises of guaranteed MBBS admissions, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including the suspected ringleader and a medical doctor. Eighteen students, some of whom are minors, were rescued from the alleged con artists who, on the pretext of providing advance access to examination questions, had transported them to undisclosed locations ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination, scheduled for May 3.
The orchestrated operation unfolded following credible intelligence received on May 2 from Surat Police regarding a suspect operating from Delhi, claiming to facilitate medical admissions through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Technical surveillance subsequently guided investigators to Mahipalpur Extension, where a series of hotel searches were conducted. The search finally narrowed down to four suspects residing in a hotel, including Vinod Bhai Bhikha Bhai Patel, believed to have enticed aspirants from Gujarat to join the scheme, according to police reports.
As per information available with TahirRihat.com, during interrogation, it was revealed that the accused had amassed significant sums of money, original Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and blank signed checks from parents in exchange for false assurances of securing coveted MBBS seats. Investigators further disclosed that some students had been separated from their guardians by the accused. Acting swiftly, police set a trap near a hospital in Ghaziabad, successfully rescuing three students and apprehending the alleged mastermind behind the scam, identified as Santosh Kumar Jaiswal.
Subsequent raids on a flat in Ghaziabad resulted in the rescue of an additional fifteen students, some of whom were minors slated to appear for the NEET exam on May 3. Law enforcement officials ensured that these students received counseling and were given the opportunity to sit for their scheduled examination. Two more individuals implicated in the scheme, Sant Pratap Singh and Dr. Akhlaq Alam, also known as Golden Alam, were taken into custody from the same flat. Police revealed that the criminal syndicate had meticulously planned their operation to capitalize on the ambitions of medical aspirants and their families.
Jaiswal is alleged to have conceptualized the fraudulent scheme, while Alam purportedly played a role in preparing fake question papers, utilizing content from previous years’ examinations and material from coaching institutes. Singh is accused of managing logistics and accommodation for the students, and Patel allegedly functioned as a broker, responsible for identifying and approaching potential victims and their families. The accused reportedly demanded sums ranging from Rs 20 to 30 lakh from each applicant, securing token payments, original academic documents, and signed checks as part of their fraudulent scheme, officials stated.
During the course of the operation, law enforcement authorities recovered 149 pages of purported question-and-answer material, three blank signed checks belonging to victims, and a range of other incriminating documents. A formal case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway, with the aim of identifying other individuals involved in the intricate network of this fraudulent operation. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the fraudulent activities and to bring all those involved to justice.
Law enforcement officials are urging parents and students to exercise caution and to verify the credentials of any individuals or organizations offering guaranteed admissions to medical colleges. They also emphasized the importance of relying on official sources of information regarding NEET examinations and admissions procedures to avoid falling victim to similar scams. The police department is committed to safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring that the admission process remains fair and transparent.
The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerabilities in the medical entrance system and the exploitation of students’ aspirations. Authorities are reviewing the existing protocols and security measures to prevent future occurrences of such fraudulent activities. The police are working in collaboration with educational institutions and regulatory bodies to strengthen the system and to protect students from falling prey to unscrupulous elements.
The successful bust of this racket is a testament to the vigilance and proactive measures of the Delhi Police, who acted swiftly on the intelligence received and prevented further exploitation of vulnerable students and their families. The police department is determined to ensure that such fraudulent activities are not allowed to thrive and that those responsible are brought to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are confident that they will uncover the full scale of the scam and apprehend all those involved. The police are committed to maintaining the integrity of the education system and protecting the interests of students across the country.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.