Lucknow MBBS Scam: 2 Arrested for Duping NEET Aspirants of Over Rs 1 Cr
The Lucknow Police Cyber Crime unit arrested two men, identified as Abhinav Sharma (a B.Tech graduate) and Santosh Kumar, for running a fake MBBS admission consultancy.
The accused impersonated the administration of the Hind Institute of Medical Sciences. They created a fake website, counterfeit bank accounts, and Instagram pages to look legitimate, specifically targeting low-ranking NEET aspirants with promises of management quota seats.
While the immediate complaints in Lucknow cite fraud of over Rs 1 crore (specifically around Rs 1.26 crore from four victims), investigations have revealed the scam may span across six states with an estimated value of up to Rs 100 crore.
The gang operated highly organized “consultancy” offices (e.g., “Study Pathway Consultancy”) in rented spaces to meet victims. They charged massive fees (ranging from Rs 18 lakh to Rs 45 lakh per student) for admission seats that did not exist, using forged allotment letters.
The investigation revealed that the mastermind has a criminal history with over 18 cases registered across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Gujarat, indicating a deep multi-state footprint beyond just the recent Lucknow arrests.
Timeframe of the incident overall:
June 2025: Victims began searching for MBBS admission options online and were contacted by the fraudsters through the fake website (“Study Pathway Consultancy”).
October 2, 2025: Major payments were made by the victims. One complainant reportedly handed over Rs 30 lakh in cash on this date, following an earlier demand draft payment.
October 29, 2025: The victims discovered the fraud. After being told the admission list was “postponed” a day earlier, they visited the consultancy office only to find it locked and the accused missing.
November 1, 2025: The first formal complaint was lodged with the Cyber Crime police station by a victim named Vijay Bahadur.
November 24, 2025 (Monday): The Lucknow Police arrested the two key accused, Abhinav Sharma and Santosh Kumar, near Kathauta Lake.
November 27, 2025: The arrest was officially disclosed to the media by the police.
