CBI Medical Raids Trigger Scandal! 14 Officials Suspended, 34 Booked in Fake Faculty-Hawala Nexus

National News: In a shocking revelation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a network of corruption running deep within the Health Ministry, the National Medical Commission (NMC), and several private medical colleges. The FIR lists 34 accused, including eight senior Health Ministry officers, five NMC inspectors, and senior representatives from top medical institutions like Geetanjali University and Rawatpura Institute. The collusion spanned across regulatory manipulation, bribery, and misuse of confidential data.

Eight Arrested, More Under Watch

The CBI has arrested eight individuals so far, including three NMC doctors who were allegedly caught accepting bribes totaling Rs 55 lakh. These payments were linked to the inspection of the Rawatpura Institute, where favorable reports were allegedly issued in exchange for cash. Sources confirm that digital evidence and surveillance helped the agency track the payoffs. Further arrests are expected as forensic audits continue.

Insiders Breached Confidential Files

According to the FIR, several Health Ministry insiders actively leaked highly classified files and inspection schedules to college representatives. These leaks allowed institutions to prepare in advance, plant dummy faculty, and manipulate biometric attendance systems. Poonam Meena, Piyush Malyan, Anoop Jaiswal, and others reportedly photographed notings by senior officials and shared them with brokers.

Inspection Process Was Compromised

The inspection mechanism run by NMC was severely compromised, as officials colluded with colleges to game the system. Appointed evaluators were bribed, and information was shared well before official visits. The system meant to ensure educational quality was turned into a pay-to-pass model. Colleges allegedly even hired fake patients to fool auditors into approving facilities.

Money Moved Through Hawala Channels

CBI officials highlighted that the bribes, amounting to crores, were routed via hawala channels to conceal transaction trails. Some of these funds were allegedly diverted under the pretext of religious donations, including temple construction. The nexus operated with high precision, using encrypted communication and unregistered courier channels to pass information.

Public Trust Severely Undermined

This scam not only erodes the credibility of India’s health education regulators but also raises alarming questions about the safety of future medical practitioners trained under such fraudulent systems. With political pressure mounting, the Health Ministry has promised full cooperation. However, experts fear long-term damage unless sweeping reforms are enacted.

CBI Vows Thorough Investigation

The CBI has confirmed that further raids are planned and digital assets seized will undergo extensive forensic analysis. The agency has sought details from banks, mobile providers, and IT departments to map the financial trail. More officials from the Health Ministry and NMC may face action if complicity is proven.