Kolkata, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials were executing raids at various sites in West Bengal regarding irregularities in medical admissions under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota.

The search operations were primarily focused in several areas of Salt Lake.

In addition, simultaneous raids were also being conducted in Haldia located in East Midnapore district, Durgapur in West Burdwan, Budge Budge in South Parganas, and Birbhum, among others.

Each raiding unit was accompanied by personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Sources indicated that irregularities involving crores of rupees in medical admissions predominantly occurred in some private medical colleges within the state.

In Haldia, the raids were focusing on the residence of former CPI(M) Lok Sabha member from Tamluk, Lakshman Seth, who manages an NGO that runs private medical and dental colleges in Haldia.

In Birbhum, the private medical college under investigation was owned by businessman Malay Pith, whose name had previously emerged in a multi-crore cattle smuggling case.

Eight private medical colleges in West Bengal are currently under the scrutiny of the ED.

The investigation was initiated by the ED following a complaint lodged at the Electronic Complex Police Station under Bidhannagar City Police.

The irregularities concerning medical admissions under the NRI quota were first brought to light by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, in September.

Suvendu Adhikari alleged that numerous such admissions were facilitated through the submission of fake certificates in exchange for significant cash payments.

He also accused certain senior officials from the State Health Department of complicity in these irregularities.