CBI Investigation Reveals Medical College Fraud

A shocking investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has exposed a large-scale fraud at Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Medical College (SRIMSR) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The college is accused of orchestrating a complex scheme involving fake doctors and patients to secure recognition from the Medical Council. The CBI has arrested the college director, Atul Kumar Tiwari, and named the chairman, Ravi Shankar Maharaj, in the First Information Report (FIR).

Fake Patients and Doctors Employed for Inspections

According to NDTV’s investigation, the college allegedly hired fake doctors and created a network of fake patients. Villagers from Tulsi Bakhtra, Kurru Cheria, and Sundarkara were reportedly paid as little as Rs 150 to pose as patients during official inspections. These individuals were transported in buses, registered under false identities, and placed in hospital wards to inflate patient numbers. Many villagers reported not receiving the promised payment.

Exploitation of Vulnerable Villagers

The exploitation extended to using final-year students as faculty to present a facade of a functioning hospital. Local health workers and agents were reportedly given commissions for recruiting fake patients. This elaborate setup was allegedly orchestrated ahead of an inspection by the National Medical Commission, with the inspection date leaked to the college.

Bribery and Corruption Uncovered

The CBI’s FIR suggests that inspectors were bribed through hawala channels for favorable inspection reports. On July 1, 2025, the CBI arrested six individuals, including Atul Tiwari, and seized Rs 55 lakh in cash. Raids across six states revealed a deeper corruption network involving 35 accused individuals, including retired IFS officer Sanjay Shukla. Bribes traced to Bengaluru indicate a widespread operation.

Implications for Future Healthcare

These revelations raise concerns about the quality of medical education and future healthcare professionals. If colleges resort to fraudulent practices for recognition, it questions the competence of doctors they produce. The potential risks posed by inadequately trained doctors are alarming.

Government Response and Future Actions

State Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal stated that the government is conducting its own inquiry into how licenses were granted. He emphasized adherence to Medical Council of India guidelines and promised transparent action against those involved. The findings have raised serious concerns about the state’s reputation.