Maharashtra FMGE Fraud Probe Reaches Suspected Technical Operator, Five Held

Maharashtra Cyber has arrested two more suspects in an interstate racket allegedly supplying forged medical examination certificates to foreign-trained graduates. The arrests take the total number of people held in the case to five.

The latest arrests mark a significant development in an investigation that began with suspicious documents submitted for medical registration. Police say they have now traced the alleged operation to a suspected technical operator who helped generate fraudulent certificates for more than 20 candidates.

The two accused have been identified as Shivam Rakesh Singh, 31, from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, and Dharmendra Laxman Singh, 29, from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Investigators suspect the network helped candidates obtain medical registration despite failing a mandatory examination.

Investigation Reaches Alleged Technical Operator

Shivam Singh, who holds an MBA and reportedly operates a hospital in Bulandshahr, is suspected of playing a central role in creating the fraudulent documents. Police allege that he facilitated the generation of fake Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) certificates for more than 20 people.

The precise role of Dharmendra Singh is still being examined. Investigators are looking into the network’s financial transactions, digital records and possible links to other individuals involved in arranging the documents.

The case first emerged after the Maharashtra Medical Council detected discrepancies in certificates submitted by applicants seeking registration. These irregularities prompted an investigation by Maharashtra Cyber.

Police initially arrested three people, including two candidates who allegedly benefited from the forged documents and an intermediary suspected of arranging them. Investigators subsequently examined electronic evidence to identify those allegedly responsible for producing the certificates.

An FIR was registered at Maharashtra Cyber’s Nodal Cyber Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The allegations include document forgery and offences involving computer systems.

How Fake Certificates Allegedly Entered The Registration Process

The investigation centres on claims that members of the racket gained unauthorised access to an online examination or certification system. Police suspect this access was then misused to generate documents that appeared to establish candidates’ eligibility for registration.

The distinction matters. A certificate can look genuine to an applicant or an official without the candidate having actually passed the examination it represents.

Investigators have not publicly established the complete method used to obtain access. It also remains unclear whether valid login credentials were misused, a security weakness was exploited or another form of manipulation occurred.

These questions are important because the answer could determine whether the fraud was limited to forged documents or exposed wider weaknesses in the verification process.

The investigation is also examining the number of certificates generated, the money exchanged and whether other people assisted the accused. The figure of more than 20 candidates is currently an investigative allegation, not a confirmed count of fraudulent medical registrations.

Why The FMGE Certificate Matters

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is a screening test for eligible medical graduates who obtained their qualifications outside India and wish to register to practise medicine in the country.

It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Candidates who qualify receive a screening test pass certificate after verification of their identity and prescribed documents.

In simple terms, a foreign medical degree does not automatically give every graduate permission to practise in India. Eligible graduates must satisfy the applicable registration requirements, including passing the screening examination where required.

The examination certificate therefore serves as an important checkpoint between obtaining a foreign qualification and entering India’s medical registration system. Forging that document could undermine the checks designed to protect patients.

Earlier Cases Raise Questions About Verification

The Maharashtra investigation follows another major FMGE certificate forgery case in Rajasthan, where police arrested several foreign-trained medical graduates and people allegedly connected to the registration process.

In October 2026, Rajasthan’s Special Operations Group reported that arrests in its investigation had reached 33. The allegations involved forged certificates used to secure medical internships and registration.

That investigation is separate from the Maharashtra case. Nevertheless, both highlight the risks that arise when examination records and supporting documents are not reliably authenticated.

The latest Maharashtra arrests suggest investigators are moving beyond individual applicants to examine the alleged supply chain behind fraudulent qualifications.

Whether the inquiry reveals additional beneficiaries or weaknesses in official systems will depend on the continuing examination of records and electronic evidence. The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny.