Pune: Fake Medical College Sealed! Hundreds of Students' Futures in Jeopardy; How Did the Scam Unfold?

Pune: In a shocking revelation, a fake medical college operating under the guise of naturopathy has been sealed by the state government's AYUSH department in Pune. The college's director has been charged, leaving hundreds of students who paid hefty fees to become doctors in limbo.

The college, known as Oracle Institute, located at the foothills of Sinhagad, was found to be running without any official accreditation. It promised students a medical degree without requiring any entrance exams, luring many with the dream of becoming doctors.

Sealing Operation

The sealing operation was documented, with videos showing the process, copies of the police complaint, and advertisements for admissions. These were shared widely on WhatsApp. The college's promotional materials falsely advertised an easy path to becoming a doctor, which attracted numerous students.

Unveiling the Scam

The college, which did not require any entrance exams or specific qualifications, enrolled students from various academic backgrounds. It is estimated that 500 to 600 students from across the state were duped into joining the unaccredited Oracle Institute of Naturopathy.

Assistant Director of AYUSH, Anita Kolhe, confirmed, "The institution was operating without any government recognition, and the students were being misled."

Financial Exploitation

Students were charged fees ranging from Rs 500,000 to Rs 1,200,000 for admission. Upon discovering the fraudulent nature of the institute, the students were left distressed.

One student, Samarth Suryavanshi, said, "We were promised a legitimate medical education, but now we are left with nothing." Another complainant, Saideep Rote, expressed his frustration, "I paid a substantial amount with the hope of becoming a doctor, only to find out it was all a scam."

Legal Action

The self-proclaimed doctor, Sunil Chavan, who ran the institute, is now on the run. A case has been registered against him at the Haveli Police Station. Chavan is also reportedly associated with the BJP's medical wing and has been photographed with several party leaders, which has led to speculation that his political connections are aiding his evasion of the authorities.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the regulatory oversight of educational institutions and the exploitation of students' aspirations. The AYUSH department's swift action has been applauded, but the focus now shifts to ensuring justice for the affected students and preventing such scams in the future.