In a significant move, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the Ahmedabad residence of Dr. Montu Kumar Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India, on Thursday, July 3. The raid is linked to alleged corruption in granting recognition to pharmacy colleges. While the CBI has not disclosed specific details, it confirmed that the action follows an FIR registered on June 30 at its Delhi branch.
Why the Raid Took Place
The Pharmacy Council of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Amit Biswas, Under-Secretary in the ministry, reportedly filed a complaint against the PCI President in New Delhi on March 15, 2023. An FIR was filed after this complaint.
The FIR accuses Dr. Patel of corruption in his election, criminal conspiracy, and accepting bribes in exchange for granting approval to pharmacy colleges across multiple states. It also alleges that bribes were taken at both his Delhi office and residence.
What the Investigation Found
The investigation that took place before the raid revealed several serious issues in the functioning of the Pharmacy Council of India under Dr. Patel’s leadership. Here’s what the CBI found:
There were irregularities in the 2022 PCI elections, including manipulation of the process and co-opting six Executive Committee members against the rules of the Pharmacy Act.
During his campaign, Dr. Patel allegedly hosted a lavish party for 12 voters from the Central Council at a hotel, spending ₹2.75 lakh to influence the election.
After becoming President, he appointed 31 people to the council and gave them key roles, allegedly violating appointment norms.
Several pharmacy colleges were approved despite negative inspection reports, raising concerns about the approval process.
Investigators found tampered documents, fake entry numbers, and backdated approvals in the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) system, which may have been used to secure top posts for Patel and his associates.
These actions reportedly helped him build an internal network to shield corrupt practices within the Council.
One of the CBI officials told the media:
There is credible evidence that college recognitions were being sold for money under Patel’s tenure. Fake entries, backdated approvals, and GPSC manipulation are all part of the racket we are now uncovering.CBI Official
Officials also believe that educational standards were deliberately compromised for personal gain under his leadership.
States Under Scrutiny
The CBI’s investigation is now expanding beyond Gujarat to states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where several pharmacy colleges reportedly received PCI recognition through fraudulent means.
In Uttar Pradesh, the executive committee, headed by Dr. Patel, allegedly approved atleast six colleges despite negative field inspection reports. These include:
SSB College of Pharmacy
Gagan College of Pharmacy, Noorpur, Aligarh
Shantidev Devi Jain Degree College, Shahpur, Muzaffarnagar
Veer Shivaji College of Pharmacy, Sarhari, Gorakhpur
Subhavati College of Pharmacy, Ghazipur
Two individuals from UP, Dr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari of Faizabad and Santosh Kumar Jha, a primary teacher from Ayodhya, have also been named in the FIR.
The FIR alleges that Jha received ₹95,000 via bank transfer and over ₹10 lakh in cash from Tiwari to manage the inspection and secure approval for Rameshwar Prasad Satyanarayan Mahavidyalaya in Ayodhya. Despite receiving negative remarks from inspectors, the college was approved by the Executive Committee of PCI. A preliminary inquiry confirmed that the college was in poor condition at the time.
Effects and Questions for PCI
The raid has triggered a wave of criticism from educational stakeholders and regulatory bodies against the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). Many are demanding greater transparency and a stricter mechanism to prevent such incidents in the future.
Activists and education experts are calling for a full reform of the PCI’s college recognition process.
One senior educationist remarked, “This is not just about one man; this is about the credibility of pharmacy education in India.”
What’s Next
Dr. Patel has not been taken into custody yet, but according to the CBI, the evidence collected during the raid is considerably strong and points to serious wrongdoing.
The entire college accreditation process is now under review, and the agency is likely to expand the investigation and may call in more officials and colleges involved in the case.
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)