Major Crackdown on Medical Education Corruption
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive search operations across multiple states on Thursday, targeting a sophisticated bribery network in postgraduate medical admissions. The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in permissions granted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to various medical colleges.
Search teams covered locations in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and several other states as part of the money laundering probe connected to medical education corruption.
Key Institutions and Individuals Under Scanner
The raids specifically targeted premises linked to Father Colombo Institute of Medical Sciences in Warangal and the Hyderabad office of Dr Ankam Rambabu, who operates a medical education services firm. Investigators revealed that multiple medical colleges allegedly channeled bribes through intermediaries to obtain favorable inspection reports and regulatory clearances from the NMC.
Another significant target was Gayatri Medical College (GMC) in Visakhapatnam, whose premises were thoroughly searched by ED officials. The Father Colombo group of institutions was already under investigation, with Father Joseph Kommareddy facing a separate CBI case. The ED's current probe runs parallel to the earlier FIR filed in this matter.
Other individuals named in the investigation include GMC director Venkat, NMC inspection team member P Rajini Reddy, and three others who are allegedly involved in the corruption network.
Bribery Network and Money Trail Exposed
According to the FIR, Kommareddy paid substantial bribes through intermediaries to secure favorable NMC inspection reports and other essential permissions for his institutions. Of the 36 accused in this nationwide case, six are from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including Dr B Hari Prasad from Anantapur, Dr Rambabu from Hyderabad, and Dr Krishna Kishore from Visakhapatnam.
Investigators uncovered that Dr Virendra Kumar, a key accused, operated a regional network through Dr Prasad. The trio of Dr Prasad, Dr Rambabu, and Dr Kishore allegedly coordinated inspections for multiple colleges, arranged dummy faculty during statutory checks, and facilitated letters of renewal from the NMC in exchange for bribes.
In one specific instance, Dr Kishore allegedly collected ₹50 lakh from Venkat to resolve a pending NMC issue. A significant portion of this money was allegedly moved to Delhi through hawala channels, bypassing formal banking systems.
Investigators also revealed that Kommareddy transferred ₹20 lakh and ₹46 lakh on two separate occasions through formal banking routes. The ED is currently examining these money trails, identifying intermediaries, and scrutinizing NMC-linked permissions as part of their comprehensive investigation.
The probe continues to expand as authorities follow the complex web of financial transactions and uncover deeper connections within the medical education corruption network.
