Uttarakhand NEET UG Admissions: 370 Students, Fake Certificates Under Scanner
Uttarakhand’s NEET UG admission process is under scrutiny over allegations of fake domicile, category and freedom fighter certificates. An SIT is investigating the case.
Uttarakhand’s NEET UG admission process has come under scrutiny following allegations that fake permanent residence and category certificates were used to secure MBBS seats. The allegations involve around 370 students and have now expanded to include disputed “freedom fighter” certificates.
The matter came to light after Dehradun resident Pradeep Bahuguna submitted details of alleged irregularities to the state Health Minister. Following the complaint, the minister directed the District Magistrate to complete an investigation within a week. An SIT headed by an SSP-rank officer has also been formed, and three people have been arrested in connection with an alleged network involved in preparing fake freedom fighter certificates.
The complainant has argued that the investigation should not remain limited to freedom fighter certificates. He has alleged that candidates from outside Uttarakhand may have obtained benefits reserved for state residents using questionable permanent residence certificates.
The investigation is also examining 36 certificates allegedly issued shortly before admissions. Questions have been raised over cases where multiple certificates were issued for the same candidate but only one reference number appeared in records. The complainant has suggested that the actual number of such cases could be higher.
Some permanent residence and freedom fighter-related certificates issued in Dehradun were later cancelled, adding another area for investigators to examine.
The case has also triggered political allegations, with Congress leaders questioning the scope of the investigation and alleging that influential individuals may be escaping scrutiny.
The SIT is expected to examine government records, certificate details and admission documents to determine whether certificates were forged, improperly issued or misused and whether officials or other individuals were involved.
