The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted comprehensive searches on Tuesday at eight private medical colleges in West Bengal as part of a nationwide investigation involving 28 institutions. The raids, which began early in the morning, centered on claims of anomalies in admissions under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota. 

Former Tamluk MP Lakshman Seth's house in Haldia, as well as the medical and dental colleges run by his philanthropic organization, were raided.  Similar operations took place in private medical colleges in Birbhum, West Bardhaman, and other areas, such as Salt Lake, Baj Baj, Kalyani, Santiniketan, and Jadavpur. 

ED sources claim that the raids stem from allegations of using false certificates to admit unqualified candidates under the NRI quota, thereby excluding eligible students in exchange for large bribes. The Supreme Court had earlier voiced alarm over such activities, forcing the ED to step up its inquiry. 

One of the institutions under investigation in Birbhum is controlled by Malay Pit, who is reportedly renowned for his alleged ties to political figure Anubrata Mondal, who has been accused of cattle smuggling and recruitment schemes. 

Salt Lake's Electronic Complex Police Station filed a charge for fraudulent admissions to private medical colleges under the NRI quota in April. The ED eventually took over the probe and discovered numerous cases of forgery and financial irregularities.

Accompanied by central security forces, ED officials examined college administrators' homes and offices in Haldia, Santiniketan, Durgapur, and other cities. They also raided institutions in Durgapur's Malandighi, Shovapur, and Rajbandh neighbourhoods.

According to an ED official, the investigation's goal is to determine the scope of wrongdoing involving phoney papers and bribery. This operation is critical to preserving transparency and justice in medical education." 

The raids triggered extensive debate in intellectual and political circles, with many pushing for stricter steps to prevent similar scams in the future. Additional information is expected as the inquiry progresses.