Did the Seat Blocking Scam Lead to the ED Seizing Rs 1.37 Crore in Karnataka?
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Synopsis
The ED's recent raids in Karnataka have uncovered a massive seat blocking scam involving private engineering colleges. With the seizure of Rs 1.37 crore in cash and incriminating evidence, the investigation highlights a troubling trend in admissions that jeopardizes the integrity of the education system.
Key Takeaways
- ED's raids revealed significant evidence of money laundering linked to private engineering colleges.
- Rs 1.37 crore in cash was seized during the operations.
- The investigation targets a widespread seat blocking scheme affecting educational integrity.
- The involvement of educational consultants indicates systematic exploitation within the admission process.
- Authorities must enforce stricter regulations to prevent such scams in the future.
Bengaluru, June 28 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered significant evidence linked to money laundering activities and confiscated Rs 1.37 crore in cash from various private engineering colleges following raids at 17 locations across Karnataka related to the seat blocking scam, an official reported on Saturday.
According to a statement from the ED, search operations were performed at 17 sites associated with the Seat Blocking Scam in private engineering institutions in Bengaluru on June 25 and June 26, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
During these operations, numerous incriminating documents and several digital devices related to money laundering were discovered and confiscated.
The search efforts have unveiled evidence pointing to extensive seat blocking and the utilization of cash/money in the admission processes of popular professional courses at these private institutes, the ED stated.
There exists a broad network of agents and educational consultancy service providers that facilitate student admissions from all over India to these institutions, the federal agency noted.
Admissions to management quota seats are predominantly conducted in a non-transparent manner, relying on external factors such as cash/money. In addition to the evidence collected, approximately Rs 1.37 crore in cash, identified as Proceeds of Crime, was also seized during the raid, according to the ED.
The search operations targeted the office premises of BMS College of Engineering, Akash Institute of Engineering and Technology, and New Horizon College of Engineering, as well as individuals associated with these institutions.
Additionally, the ED conducted searches at the locations of several entities involved in educational consultancy services and private agents linked to the scam.
The investigation was initiated following an FIR filed by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) against BMS College of Engineering, Akash Institute of Engineering and Technology, New Horizon College of Engineering, and unidentified individuals under multiple sections of the IPC/BNSS.
It is alleged that these colleges conspired with unknown individuals, acquired the login credentials of students registered with KEA, and blocked seats by opting for admissions in their college in the names of students who were not genuinely seeking admission.
Point of View
The occurrence of such scams undermines the credibility of our educational institutions. It is crucial for authorities to maintain stringent checks and balances within the admission processes to uphold fairness and transparency.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the ED's investigation into the seat blocking scam?
The investigation was initiated after an FIR was filed by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) against several private engineering colleges for colluding to block seats by misusing students' information.
What evidence was collected during the ED's raids?
Incriminating documents related to money laundering activities and Rs 1.37 crore in cash were seized during the raids.
How does the seat blocking scam affect students?
The scam compromises fair access to education by enabling private colleges to fill seats based on illicit payments rather than merit.
What is the role of educational consultancy services in this scam?
These consultancy services allegedly facilitated admissions by connecting students with private colleges, often involving unethical practices.
What actions are being taken against the implicated colleges?
The ED is conducting ongoing investigations and has seized evidence that may lead to further legal action against the involved institutions.
