Ujjain Police have arrested the alleged mastermind of a cyber fraud racket accused of cheating a parent of ₹4.25 lakh by promising an MBBS seat at Katihar Medical College in Bihar. The accused allegedly impersonated the college principal, obtained the victim’s documents and sent forged admission papers after receiving payments in multiple bank accounts.
Caller Claimed MBBS Seat Was Available
According to police, Satish Chandra Patel, a resident of Manchhaman Chauraha under the Neelganga police station limits, filed a complaint on February 17, 2026. He said he was searching for an MBBS admission for his son when a person contacted him and claimed to be the Principal of Katihar Medical College.
The caller allegedly told Patel that an MBBS seat was available and assured him that the admission could be secured. To make the offer appear genuine, the accused reportedly collected academic certificates, identity documents and other records from the complainant.
Between February 15 and February 17, the victim transferred ₹4.25 lakh through online transactions into different bank accounts. The payments were allegedly sought for seat booking, counselling and other admission-related formalities.
Police said the accused subsequently sent documents through WhatsApp, including purported National Medical Commission letters, a seat allotment letter and other admission papers. These documents were later found to be forged.
College Visit Exposed Forged Documents
The alleged fraud came to light when Patel visited Katihar Medical College and met the actual principal. The college administration informed him that the mobile number used by the caller did not belong to the institution and that no MBBS seats were vacant.
The administration also confirmed that the documents issued in the principal’s name were not genuine. Patel later returned to Ujjain and lodged a cheating complaint at Neelganga Police Station.
During the investigation, police examined bank accounts, mobile numbers, email addresses, digital payment records and other electronic evidence. With assistance from the Cyber Cell, investigators identified the accused as 45-year-old Sumantra Gupta, a resident of Siliguri in West Bengal.
A police team conducted a raid in Siliguri and arrested Gupta. He was brought to Ujjain on transit remand for further questioning.
Police Probe Wider Admission Fraud Network
Investigators are questioning the accused to identify other suspected members of the alleged racket and determine whether similar admission scams were carried out against other students and parents.
Police are examining his bank accounts, digital devices, mobile data and financial transactions. They are also investigating whether victims in other states were targeted through the same method.
A researcher at Algoritha Security said fraudsters involved in education and recruitment scams often impersonate senior officials of reputed institutions or admission authorities. They may use forged seat allotment letters, appointment orders and official-looking messages to persuade victims to transfer money.
Students and parents have been advised to verify admission-related claims through official websites and authorised institutional channels. They should also avoid transferring money to private bank accounts in response to promises of guaranteed admission.
Police said further legal action would be taken based on the evidence collected during the continuing investigation.
