Noida STF Cracks Down on NEET Exam Fraud Ring
The Noida Special Task Force (STF) has successfully cracked a fraudulent NEET-UG admission scam that has allegedly duped several medical aspirants. In a major operation, the STF arrested three individuals who were running the fake consultancy under the guise of offering guaranteed admissions to aspiring students.
The accused have been identified as Vikram Kumar Sahu, Dharmpal Singh, and Aniket Kumar, all of whom are residents of Delhi. The gang operated under the name Shreyanvi EDU OPC Pvt Ltd, claiming to be a legitimate educational consultancy.
How the Scam Worked
The gang’s modus operandi was both deceptive and elaborate. They approached NEET aspirants with promises of guaranteed admission to medical colleges, charging a hefty fee of ₹5 lakh per student. Once the aspirants showed interest, they were asked to sign fraudulent contracts under the guise of official agreements.
According to the STF, the culprits instructed students to leave some questions unanswered on their NEET OMR sheets, falsely assuring them that the blank answers would be filled in later through their so-called “internal network” or by manipulating the exam process.
“The students were convinced that if they left some answers blank, those would be managed later,” said a senior STF officer. “They used the desperation of students and parents to exploit them.”
Seized Items and Evidence
During the raid at the gang’s premises, the STF recovered a variety of items that pointed to the scale and organization of the scam:
- Mobile phones used for communications with students and accomplices
- Data sheets containing personal information of candidates
- Cheque books likely used to facilitate financial transactions
- Fake Aadhaar and PAN cards
- A luxury Fortuner SUV, believed to be purchased with the proceeds of the scam
The documents and equipment seized from the site indicate that this was not an isolated operation but rather a well-coordinated racket targeting vulnerable students aiming for medical careers.
What Happened to the Money
The gang charged ₹5 lakh per candidate, claiming that their connection would guarantee the student a seat in a reputed medical college. If the students did not gain admission, the gang stalled refund requests or disappeared, leaving many victims with no recourse.
For those who believed the fraudsters and paid the amount, there was no guarantee of success, with many students left in limbo and financial distress after failing to get a medical seat.
Students and Parents Urged to Stay Vigilant
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that students face when preparing for high-stakes exams like NEET. As medical aspirants often deal with immense pressure to secure a seat in top colleges, scammers prey on their desperation, offering false promises of success.
Authorities have urged students to exercise caution and always verify claims made by any educational consultancy. They recommend relying solely on official communication from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the NEET exam, and avoiding any third-party consultant that offers “guaranteed” admission.
“It’s critical for students and parents to understand that there is no shortcut to success in NEET. Only hard work, preparation, and official channels can ensure success,” said a spokesperson from the STF.
Impact and Future Measure
The Noida STF’s actions have sent a strong message to other fraudulent consultancy operations that are exploiting students’ aspirations. As the investigation continues, more arrests are expected, with law enforcement working closely with educational authorities to uncover other such illegal operations.
Authorities have also stressed the importance of spreading awareness about these types of scams. They encourage students to report any suspicious activities or services that claim to guarantee exam success.
Final Thoughts
This NEET scam bust highlights the ever-growing concern over exam fraud and the exploitation of students’ dreams. As the education sector continues to see a rise in the number of scams, it’s more crucial than ever to stay alert and protect oneself from fraudulent practices. Students must always ensure they are dealing with legitimate entities and steer clear of any service that promises an easy route to success in competitive exams.
In light of this, both students and parents must exercise caution when seeking external help for exam preparation and admissions. Education is a valuable investment, and taking the time to research and verify educational services can prevent a lot of heartache and financial loss.