CBI Cracks Down on PCI Chief Montu Patel in College Bribery Scandal

A senior CBI officer, quoted by Free Press Journal, stated, “There is credible evidence that college recognitions were being sold for money under Patel’s tenure. Fake entries, backdated approvals, and GPSC manipulation are all part of the racket we are now uncovering.”

Although Patel has not been formally arrested, investigators described the material seized during the raids as “substantial.” The probe has expanded to examine financial records and regulatory files from his tenure, both at PCI headquarters and regional offices.

The investigation is expected to widen to other states, particularly Maharashtra, which has previously reported suspicious recognitions of pharmacy colleges.

Also Read: PCI issues Guidelines for Inspections of Pharmacy Institutions for academic year 2024- 2025

According to Free Press Journal, authorities are now scrutinizing whether approvals were granted to institutions that failed to meet regulatory norms.

Pharmabiz reports that this latest development comes amid mounting concerns over governance in the PCI. Notably, in May this year, the Supreme Court had criticised the Pharmacy Council of India for its regulatory practices, stating there was a “lack of application of mind and exercise of powers in an arbitrary manner."

Also Read: SC Slams Pharmacy Council of India over Arbitrary Rejection of Approvals to Pharma Colleges

The PCI, which is the statutory body governing pharmacy education and profession in India, has yet to issue an official statement in response to the raids or the CBI probe.