Why is the ED Conducting Raids in Kolkata Over NRI Medical Admissions?
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Synopsis
The ED's recent raids in Kolkata have raised serious questions about the integrity of medical college admissions under the NRI quota in West Bengal. With numerous individuals implicated and financial scrutiny underway, this case highlights a troubling trend in educational integrity.
Key Takeaways
- ED raids indicate serious concerns over educational integrity.
- Investigations focus on NRI quota admissions in private medical colleges.
- Financial scrutiny is being applied to over 50 individuals.
- Previous raids have occurred, highlighting an ongoing issue.
- Political connections may play a role in the irregularities.
Kolkata, May 6 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated extensive raids and search operations at various sites in and around Kolkata on Tuesday. This action is connected to a case involving significant discrepancies in admissions to private medical colleges in West Bengal under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that interrogation notices have been dispatched to at least 50 individuals. The majority of these persons are either relatives or close associates of several politically influential figures in the region.
The individuals receiving notices have also been instructed to provide their financial information, including income tax returns, bank account details, and properties registered under their names, to the central agency.
According to available information, multiple raid and search operations have been taking place at five locations in and around Kolkata since the morning hours.
These locations include the office of a private medical entrance examination coaching institute in New Town on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, along with the residence of a female attorney practicing at the Calcutta High Court.
This is not the first instance of the ED conducting raids related to irregularities in medical college admissions under the NRI quota in the state.
On February 20, officials from the central agency executed raids at six locations in and around Kolkata for the same issue.
During that operation, raids were carried out at the residence of former CPI(M) Lok Sabha member from Tamluk, Lakshman Seth, who manages an NGO that operates private medical and dental colleges in Haldia.
Raids were also undertaken at a private medical college located in Birbhum district, owned by businessman Malay Pith, who was previously linked to the high-profile cattle smuggling case in West Bengal.
The issue of irregularities in medical admissions under the NRI quota was first raised by the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, in September of the previous year.
He alleged that there were serious discrepancies involving large cash transactions and the use of counterfeit certificates for admissions. Adhikari further accused certain senior officials within the state health department of being complicit in the scam.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation by the ED highlights the pressing need for transparency and accountability in educational admissions. As instances of corruption come to light, it is imperative for authorities to ensure that meritocracy prevails in the educational system, safeguarding the interests of students across the nation.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the ED raids in Kolkata?
The raids were initiated in connection with significant irregularities in admissions to private medical colleges in West Bengal under the NRI quota.
How many individuals have been issued notices for questioning?
Notices have been sent to at least 50 individuals, mostly relatives or associates of politically influential figures.
What financial information is being requested from those questioned?
Individuals have been asked to submit their income tax returns, bank account details, and property registrations.
Has the ED conducted similar investigations in the past?
Yes, the ED has previously conducted raids related to this issue, including operations at six locations in February.
Who first raised concerns about the irregularities?
The issue was initially highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, last September.
