Doctor degrees issued to 1,500 at Rs 75,000 each: Surat police bust 20-year-long fake medical degree scam

The Pandesara police have uncovered a massive fake medical degree racket operating for nearly two decades, arresting 14 people, including the masterminds. The scam, led by Ahmedabad-based Dr. B.K. Ravat and Dr. Rasesh Gujarati, facilitated the issuance of fraudulent medical degrees to over 1,500 unqualified practitioners.

The accused issued fake Bachelor of Electro Homeopathic Medicine (BEMS) degrees for Rs 75,000 each. Police estimate the duo amassed at least Rs 10 crore through this operation. Dr. Ravat, who holds a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree, collaborated with Dr. Gujarati, a Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (DHMS) holder, to execute the scam.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-4) Vijaysinh Gurjar revealed that the degrees were issued under the name of a non-existent entity, the “Board of Electro Homeopathic Medicine.” Clinics operated by unqualified practitioners in Pandesara triggered the investigation, leading to the arrests.

Key discoveries during raids

Raids on the residences and offices of the accused resulted in significant seizures:
Fake degree certificates (blank and pre-filled)
Application forms and ID cards of fake practitioners
Details of over 1,600 individuals listed on the racket’s website

Authorities also uncovered records of payments and renewal fees collected from quacks practicing with fraudulent degrees.

Exploiting unqualified practitioners

The accused offered two schemes for issuing fake degrees. In one, degrees were sold for Rs 75,000, with an annual renewal fee of Rs 3,000. The second involved charging monthly protection fees of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

Investigations revealed that Gujarati employed associates to intimidate quacks into paying protection money. Fake cancellation notices were sent to those who resisted, using fabricated documents from the fictitious board.

Fake website for credibility

To lend legitimacy to their operation, the accused created a website, behmgujarat.com, listing names and registration details of fake degree holders. The site was used to collect renewal fees and convince practitioners of the validity of their qualifications.

Financial profits and legal action

Dr. Ravat earned a 30% commission for signing degrees and designing certificates, marksheets, and ID cards resembling official documents. Police are analyzing bank records to determine the total money extorted over two decades.

Two FIRs have been registered under sections related to cheating, extortion, and violations of the Gujarat Medical Practitioners’ Act. Among those arrested are the masterminds and several associates, including individuals responsible for coercion and forgery. Authorities are examining the widespread use of these fraudulent degrees and their impact on public health.