In a major crackdown on exam-related fraud, Delhi Police has busted an organised racket that allegedly duped NEET aspirants and their families by promising guaranteed MBBS admissions in exchange for hefty payments. The operation led to the rescue of 18 students, including minors, and the arrest of four accused who were running a well-coordinated scam ahead of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination held on May 3.
According to investigators, the accused lured students and their families with claims of providing “leaked question papers” and assured seats in reputed medical colleges. They allegedly demanded ₹20–30 lakh per candidate and collected advance payments, original academic documents, and even blank signed cheques as part of the fraudulent arrangement.
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Multi‑City Operation, Trap‑Laying, and Rescues
The case came to light following a specific input received on May 2 from Surat Police about a suspect operating from Delhi and facilitating fake medical admissions. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, Delhi Police launched a technical surveillance operation that traced the suspects to Mahipalpur Extension. Multiple hotels in the area were searched, eventually leading to the identification and apprehension of key members of the racket.
Among those arrested is the alleged mastermind, Santosh Kumar Jaiswal, who is believed to have conceptualised and coordinated the entire operation. The other accused include Sant Pratap Singh, who handled logistics and accommodation; Vinod Bhai Bhikha Bhai Patel, who acted as a broker and brought in aspirants from Gujarat; and Dr Akhlaq Alam alias Golden Alam, who allegedly prepared fake question papers using previous years’ material and coaching institute content.
Investigators revealed that the gang had taken several students away from their guardians under the pretext of providing them with “exam questions” before the test. In one instance, a trap was laid near a hospital in Ghaziabad, where three students were rescued and Jaiswal was arrested. Subsequent raids at a flat in Ghaziabad led to the rescue of 15 more students, many of whom were minors scheduled to appear for the NEET exam.
Police officials stated that the rescued students were counselled and later allowed to sit for the examination. Authorities are now working to ensure their safety and provide necessary support, as many of them were reportedly under immense pressure due to the false promises made by the accused.
Recovered Evidence, Fake Papers, and Modus Operandi
During the operation, investigators recovered 149 pages of purported question-answer material, which was found to be fabricated using previous years’ exam content. Additionally, three blank signed cheques belonging to victims and several incriminating documents were seized from the accused. These materials are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The modus operandi of the gang reflects a calculated attempt to exploit the aspirations of medical students and the anxiety surrounding competitive exams. By combining elements of misinformation, forged study material, and false assurances of guaranteed success, the accused managed to create a convincing but entirely fraudulent scheme.
Officials indicated that the racket may have wider links, and efforts are underway to identify other individuals who could be part of the network. Financial transactions, call records, and digital communications are being analysed to map the full extent of the operation.
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further legal proceedings are in progress. Authorities have reiterated the need for students and parents to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to such fraudulent claims, especially during high-stakes examinations like NEET.
This incident once again highlights the growing trend of organised exam scams in the country, where criminal networks exploit loopholes and public anxiety to generate large sums of illegal income. Experts suggest stricter monitoring of coaching networks, enhanced digital surveillance, and awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation deepens, officials maintain that all angles will be thoroughly examined, and those involved will face strict action under the law.
