MBBS exam scam: Another document leak surfaces amidst probe at varsity

In the wake of the MBBS annual and supplementary examination scam, Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak (UHSR), is not only overhauling its examination system but also reinforcing internal security protocols. However, a fresh case of confidentiality breach has now surfaced, raising further concerns over the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

The breach occurred during the inquiry conducted by a three-member fact-finding committee, headed by Dr MK Garg, which was investigating irregularities in the MBBS exams. “The investigation was underway when a sensitive document related to the probe was leaked,” said a UHSR official. The document, issued by the UHSR examination branch on February 11, contained information about the answer sheets of certain MBBS students from a private college.

An employee allegedly took a photograph of the letter using his mobile phone, inadvertently capturing his thumb in the image. “The picture later went viral and eventually reached the private college concerned, raising concerns among students named in the letter,” the official said.

Upon learning of the leak, UHSR Vice-Chancellor Dr HK Aggarwal immediately launched an internal investigation. “We verified the thumbprints of all officials who handled the document and reviewed CCTV footage, which confirmed the identity of the employee responsible for the leak,” said Dr Aggarwal. The footage reportedly showed the staff member taking the photograph while holding the document, leading to his identification.

The employee was suspended and Dr Aggarwal recommended filing an FIR against him. “His name, along with 16 other UHSR officials, is included in the FIR, which also names 24 MBBS students from the private college,” the official said. The fact-finding inquiry had earlier found evidence of tampering with the answer sheets of these students.

Sources confirmed that the district police, now handling the broader investigation, have requested academic records of the implicated students from UHSR.

Reiterating his commitment to transparency and accountability, Dr Aggarwal said, “No official will be spared if found involved in actions that compromise the integrity of this institution.”

To prevent future lapses, UHSR has implemented several reforms. “We’ve introduced an on-the-spot evaluation system for exam papers across medical and paramedical courses. Additionally, we’ve changed exam centres for all private medical colleges and made exam observers more accountable,” Dr Aggarwal added.