In a sweeping operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against a syndicate of 34 individuals - including officials from the Union Health Ministry and National Medical Commission (NMC), intermediaries, and representatives from private medical colleges - for orchestrating “egregious” corruption in medical college regulation .

According to the CBI complaint, eight ministry and NMC officials leaked, duplicated, and disseminated confidential inspection reports, approvals, and related files to college representatives via a network of intermediaries in exchange for substantial bribes. One affidavit reveals doctors allegedly soliciting ₹55 lakh for a favourable inspection report during raids in six states, culminating in six arrests and the recovery of ₹38.38 lakh and ₹16.62 lakh in cash.

The syndicate’s sprawling operations included tailoring regulatory processes - inspection outcomes, seat expansions, and licensing - to benefit select institutions, undermining the integrity of India’s medical education oversight. Authorities raided locations in at least six states, seizing digital documents and evidence.

This scandal has intensified public scrutiny over medical college governance. Experts warn that it demands urgent and structural reforms to restore transparency and trust within the system.