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Rajkot, May 11, 2025 – In a major development that has sent shockwaves across the country, investigators have uncovered a pan-India “marks-for-grades” scam targeting candidates of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The scam, which has been operating for at least two years, involved a sophisticated network promising to inflate NEET scores in exchange for hefty payments, according to the Rajkot Detection of Crime Branch (DCB).
The Modus Operandi
The gang allegedly charged between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh per student to manipulate NEET results, primarily targeting medical aspirants in Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, and Gujarat. The DCB revealed that the fraudsters exploited the desperation of students and parents vying for coveted medical seats, assuring them of higher marks for a price.
Key Arrests and Ongoing Search
So far, five individuals have been detained in connection with the scam. Among those arrested are Vipul Teraiya, a 44-year-old education consultant, and Rajesh Pethani, owner of the Rajkot-based Royal Academy coaching institute. Authorities say Teraiya and Pethani played central roles in orchestrating the fraudulent scheme.
The investigation also named Teraiya’s brother, Prakash, who runs a consultancy in Surat; Manjeet Jain, a CBSE test coordinator in Belagavi, Karnataka; and Dhaval Sanghvi from Udaipur as key suspects who remain at large. Dr. Parthraj Singh Gohil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), stated that multiple teams are conducting searches across Ahmedabad, Rajasthan, and Belagavi to apprehend the absconding suspects. The operation is believed to have been coordinated from Belagavi, with Vipul Teraiya and Manjeet Jain identified as the masterminds.
Victims and Impact
Authorities have identified at least 30 students as victims of the scam, with cases reported in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Delhi. One Jetpur-based father was reportedly defrauded of Rs 30 lakh after being promised a boost in his son’s NEET 2024 scores. Two additional students from Rajkot district have also been confirmed as victims.
Dr. Gohil emphasized the scale and seriousness of the fraud, stating, “So far, 30 students have been identified as victims, with the fraud spanning across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Delhi. Besides the NEET aspirant from Jetpur, two more students from Rajkot district have fallen into their trap.”
Nationwide Concern
The NEET examination is one of India’s most competitive and high-stakes entrance exams for medical colleges. This scam has raised concerns about the integrity of the examination process and the vulnerability of students to exploitation.
Authorities urge parents and students to report any suspicious activities related to exam results and have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by EdexLive and other news sources as of May 11, 2025. The investigation is ongoing, and details may evolve as authorities continue their probe. Readers are advised to consult official sources and updates for the latest information.
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