{
  "id": 8642157,
  "title": "‘Fake’ certificates alleged in Uttarakhand MBBS row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/fake-certificates-alleged-in-uttarakhand-mbbs-row",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T07:34:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/fake-domicile-freedom-fighter-certificates-alleged-in-uttarakhand-mbbs-admissions-sit-probes/articleshow/134365017.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Allegations have surfaced in Uttarakhand regarding the use of fake certificates to secure admission to MBBS programs, prompting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Dehradun Police to probe the alleged fraud. The controversy stemmed from journalist Pradeep Bahuguna questioning the validity of certificates submitted by candidates applying for state quota and special category seats. Bahuguna has compiled a list of approximately 350 candidates whose documents require verification, although he does not claim all the certificates on the list are fraudulent. The SIT has registered two cases at different police stations and has requested admission-related documents from relevant officials and departments. SP (Rural) Jaya Baluni stated that the investigation is still in its early stages and it would be premature to conclude whether an organized group is involved. The focus of the probe is primarily on allegations involving certificates dependent on freedom fighters and admissions secured through their use. Additionally, there is a demand for an investigation into alleged fake domicile certificates. Bahuguna explained that his list includes candidates who completed their schooling outside Uttarakhand or took the NEET examination in states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. However, he clarified that studying outside Uttarakhand or taking NEET in another state does not automatically indicate a forged domicile certificate. The probe has uncovered cases where candidates were initially allotted seats under certain categories based on their caste certificates, which were later canceled, and subsequently allotted seats under different categories. The Uttarakhand Medical Education Minister, Subodh Uniyal, directed the Dehradun district magistrate to investigate allegations involving fraudulent permanent residence and freedom fighter dependent certificates and submit a report within a week, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and the need to establish the status of suspicious cases before the medical admission process concludes. Authorities have also taken action against four Common Service Centre (CSC) centers in Dehradun, sealing them and seizing computers and laptops following suspicions of irregularities in their operations. The role of officials involved in verifying and approving certificates is under examination in light of the complaints.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}