‘Fake’ domicile, freedom fighter certificates alleged in Uttarakhand MBBS admissions; SIT probes

Uttarakhand’s medical admission process has come under scrutiny over allegations of fake certificates being used to secure MBBS seats, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Dehradun Police now probing the alleged fraud involving freedom fighter dependent certificates.

The controversy began after journalist Pradeep Bahuguna raised questions over certificates submitted by candidates seeking benefits under the state quota and special categories. Bahuguna has submitted a list of around 350 candidates whose documents he wants authorities to verify, while stressing that he is not claiming all the certificates on the list are fake.

The SIT has registered two cases at separate police stations and has sought admission-related documents from the officials and departments concerned, SP (Rural) Jaya Baluni said. She added that the investigation is at an early stage and it would be premature to conclude whether an organised gang is involved.


The immediate probe is focused on alleged fraud involving freedom fighter dependent certificates and admissions secured using them. A separate demand for an investigation into alleged fake domicile certificates is also being raised.

Why 350 candidates are under the scanner

Bahuguna said his list includes candidates whose documents require verification, with some having completed their schooling outside Uttarakhand or taken the NEET examination in states such as Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

However, studying outside Uttarakhand or taking NEET in another state does not by itself establish that a domicile certificate is forged.

Bahuguna told PTI that he had identified around 350 names based on records and admission-related information that, according to him, warranted scrutiny. He has sought verification of permanent residence and other certificates used to claim state quota or special-category benefits.

He also cited a case involving a candidate who was initially allotted a seat under the 'SC-Orphaned' category at Doon Medical College in Dehradun. According to Bahuguna, the candidate's caste certificate was later cancelled at the Doiwala tehsil level, after which she was allotted a seat under the 'General-Orphaned' category in Haldwani. He has sought an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the allotments.

These allegations have not been independently verified.

What the probe has found so far

The controversy gained traction after four freedom fighter dependent certificates linked to the same family were allegedly found to be forged and subsequently cancelled following official verification, according to Bahuguna.

Uttarakhand Medical Education Minister Subodh Uniyal had earlier directed the Dehradun district magistrate to investigate allegations involving fraudulent permanent residence and freedom fighter dependent certificates and submit a report within a week. He said the government was taking the matter seriously and wanted the status of suspicious cases established before the ongoing medical admission process concludes.

The administration has also acted against four Common Service Centre (CSC) centres in Dehradun. Acting on the district magistrate's directions, authorities sealed the centres and seized computers and laptops after detecting irregularities in their operations and compliance with regulations.

The role of officials involved in verification and approval of certificates is also being examined following the complaints.

Rohit Negi, a CSC operator in Dehradun, told PTI that CSC centres generally assist with filling online applications and uploading documents. The applications then move through the government system, with certificates such as permanent residence documents issued after verification and approval by the competent authorities at the tehsil, revenue official or patwari level.

With medical counselling underway in Uttarakhand, authorities are now racing to establish which certificates and admissions, if any, involved irregularities before the current admission process is completed.