Fake Doctor Promise Triggers ₹13 Lakh Extortion
In a disconcerting twist of events, the Jammu & Kashmir Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has moved swiftly to file a chargesheet against two residents of Karnataka—Aquib Javeed and Mohd Ahtesham Ahmad—over a fraudulent scheme that led to the duping of a victim out of ₹13 lakh. The charges, encapsulated in FIR 10/2024, have been presented in the Sub-Judge Baramulla court under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 420 (cheating) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy).
The Fraudulent Web of Deception
According to the investigation, the trail began when the victim sought advice from Dr. Shamsu-Din at Al-Amin Medical College in Bijapur, Karnataka. Dr. Shamsu-Din acted as a mediator, connecting the victim with Aquib Javeed, who assured him of an MBBS seat at KBN Medical College. With hopes high and trust placed in false assurances, the victim transferred a staggering ₹13 lakh, expecting to secure his future in medicine.
As fate would have it, neither the promised seat materialized nor was there any sign of a refund, leaving the victim devastated and financially strained. This led the EOW to take action and register a case against the accused.
Investigating a Criminal Conspiracy
The EOW’s investigation unveiled a complex network of criminal conspiracy between the accused brothers, who operated from Adarsh Nagar in Kalaburagi. They exploited desperate parents across the country, specifically targeting those from Jammu & Kashmir, who were eager to secure medical seats for their children. The duo leveraged false affiliations with medical colleges to lure in victims, perpetuating a cycle of deceit that has become alarmingly familiar in recent years.
Chargesheet Filed in Absentia
The EOW has filed a comprehensive chargesheet before the Baramulla court, invoking Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which deals with proclamations against absconding offenders, and Section 512 for the execution of non-bailable warrants. This legal maneuvering signifies a commitment to address the threats posed by such scams, even when the guilty parties choose to flee.
Key Findings of the Investigation
The investigation highlighted several critical facts:
- ₹13 Lakh Received via Banking Channels: The transaction records confirmed that the entire amount was transferred through bank accounts, tying the accused directly to the financial scam.
- No Seat or Admission Processing: Notably, there was no deposit made to any college for admission, reinforcing the fraudulent nature of the promises made.
- Interstate Fraud Nexus: This case unveiled an alarming interstate nexus between Karnataka and Kashmir, showcasing how such scams can operate across state boundaries.
- Standard Scam Playbook: The patterns of deception used reflected a typical playbook often seen in similar MBBS admission frauds.
The swift filing of this chargesheet by the EOW indicates a notable improvement in investigative timelines related to medical admission rackets that have become a menace for families in Jammu & Kashmir.
Cross-State Medical Seat Black Market Exposed
This incident sheds light on a larger issue—a burgeoning black market for MBBS seats that spans multiple states. The organized syndicates primarily operate in the private medical colleges of Karnataka and exploit a nationwide pool of desperate parents.
Similar Scams Reported
- Bijapur Medical Colleges (KBN, Al-Amin)
- The intense desperation among Kashmir parents during NEET counselling seasons.
- Existence of Karnataka-Kashmir consultant networks, forming a web of deceit that encompasses various states.
The EOW’s findings suggest that these fraudulent operators not only manipulate management quotas but also engage in activities such as false promises of NRI seat availability and forgery of donation certificates. Furthermore, it appears that the accused maintained a database of victims, possibly to engage in repeated extortion or fraudulent activities.
Broader Medical Admission Fraud Context
Jammu & Kashmir is not alone in its battle against MBBS admission scams. This state joins a broader nationwide crackdown involving several alarming incidents:
- Uttar Pradesh (UP) NEET Paper Leaks of 2024.
- Rampant management quota rackets in Bihar.
- Various donation frauds throughout South India.
The EOW’s interstate chargesheet sets a new precedent for effective cross-jurisdiction prosecution, allowing for legal actions against perpetrators even without physical custody. This approach can significantly expedite the handling of cases involving fugitive medical fraudsters.
A Call for Caution
Parents seeking medical education for their children are urged to exercise due diligence. It’s essential to verify the legitimacy of NMC-registered colleges and to look into the availability of management quota seats through official channels. Especially during peak counselling seasons, avoiding unverified consultants who promise guaranteed seats can save families from devastating financial losses.
In an era where educational aspirations can sometimes lead to exploitation, such caution is not just advisable but necessary for the safeguarding of hard-earned money and future dreams.
