Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests 4 More in D-Pharmacy Degrees Scam

Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests 4 More in D-Pharmacy Degrees Scam

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested four more people for their alleged involvement in a scam related to the issuing of D-Pharmacy degrees. The scam involved admitting ineligible candidates and issuing them degrees fraudulently, in connivance with officials of the Punjab State Pharmacy Council (PSPC).

Image of a gavel and handcuffs, symbolizing law enforcement and justice.

The four arrested individuals are:

• Gurpreet Singh Gill, Owner of Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research Bhatinda
• Sarabjit Singh Brar, Principal of Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research Bhatinda
• R.S. Ramakodi, former Principal of Lala Lajpat Rai College, Sehna
• Baljinder Singh Bajwa, former Principal of Lala Lajpat College of Pharmacy Moga

This brings the total number of people arrested in the scam to 17. Previously, the VB had arrested Parveen Kumar Bharadwaj and Dr. Tejvir Singh, both former Registrars of PSPC, along with Superintendent Ashok Kumar. Additionally, nine pharmacists have also been arrested in connection with the case.

Modus Operandi of the Scam:

The owners of private pharmacy colleges allegedly admitted students from other states without obtaining mandatory migration certificates, in connivance with PSPC officials. They accepted significant bribes from unsuspecting candidates.

Furthermore, several students obtained admission to the D-pharmacy course despite not having the required 10+2 educational qualifications in medical or non-medical streams. These qualifications were obtained privately, whereas they should have been obtained through regular classes and science practicals.

The officials involved in the scam allegedly took bribes from students and colleges to issue forged and fabricated 10+2 certificates, D-Pharmacy certificates from different institutions, and fake registration certificates from PSPC.

Investigation and Next Steps:

The arrested individuals will be produced in court tomorrow. The VB is continuing its investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the scam, including officials, employees, and clerks of PSPC, as well as individuals associated with private colleges.