Two doctors from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, were arrested along with three others for reportedly helping candidates cheat in the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test for Doctor of Medicine (MD). The arrests were made by the Dehradun police on Sunday evening near Barrage Road in Rishikesh.
The accused include Dr. Ajit Singh, 44, from Jind in Haryana; Dr. Vaibhav Kashyap, 23, from Patiala in Punjab; Aman Siwach, 24, from Rohtak in Haryana; and two individuals from Hisar in Haryana, Vipul Gaura, 31, and Jayant, 22. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajai Singh confirmed that the group was caught red-handed while operating from a car.
The police reported that the accused were involved in a plan where they promised to help candidates appearing for the entrance exam by solving the question paper in exchange for a large sum of money. A deal was made with three candidates from Kangra worth Rs 50 lakh. The accused allegedly agreed to provide answers to the candidates during the exam through an instant messaging app. The two doctors, for their help, Dr. Singh and Dr. Kashyap were each received Rs 2 lakh.
On the day of the exam, held in Himachal Pradesh, the candidates took photographs of the question paper and sent them to the accused using the messaging app. In return, the doctors provided the answers through the same app. The candidates had paid Rs 25 lakh upfront, with the remaining amount to be settled after the results were announced on May 25.
Following the arrests, the police seized three tablets, several mobile phones, two medical course books, and the car used by the accused. SSP Ajai Singh stated that the investigation is ongoing to uncover any additional suspects who may be involved in the cheating scheme.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of competitive examinations and the lengths to which some individuals will go to secure admission into prestigious medical programs. The involvement of medical professionals in such fraudulent activities is particularly alarming, highlighting a breach of trust and ethics within the medical community.
The arrests were made possible by the diligent efforts of the Dehradun police, who acted on a tip-off and conducted a raid that led to the capture of the accused. The authorities are now focusing on tracing the money trail and identifying any other candidates who may have been involved in the cheating network.
The incident's direct consequences are expected to require additional analysis of the examination processes and the security measures in place to prevent such malpractices. The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test for MD is a highly competitive examination, and any breach in its conduct can have far-reaching implications for the credibility of the selection process.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
