IGIMS MBBS exam irregularities probe delayed, panel seeks extension
Bihar: An internal fact-finding committee was constituted to investigate alleged irregularities in the MBBS examinations at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS). This committee was formed after the Institute missed its April 14 deadline and has not yet submitted its report.
Consequently, the panel has sought additional time and is now expected to present its findings by the end of the week.
The four-member committee, chaired by Dean (Academics) Dr Om Kumar, comprises Deputy Director (Administration) Dr Vibhuti Prasanna Sinha, Registrar Dr Sarvesh Kumar Singh, and Chief Administrative Officer Praful Ranjan. This committee is investigating various aspects of the allegations.
According to the HT media news report, Dr Sinha stated, "We are examining all aspects, and the investigation is ongoing. It would be premature to make any comments at this stage." However, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, he declined to share further details.
The committee has obtained certain circumstantial evidence raising apprehensions regarding the leakage of question papers and the tampering of students' answer sheets. Also recorded the written statements of officials from the examination department and is cross-verifying them against the available evidence.
Medical Dialogues had earlier reporeted that the institute had also constituted a separate three-member committee. This committee was formed to investigate media reports following the emergence of allegations. Headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar, this panel includes Dr Gyan Bhaskar and Dr Avneesh Kumar.
Therefore, the second committee was constituted without dissolving the original committee, which was already close to completing its investigation. However, both committees were given a one-week deadline, but neither has submitted its report so far.
Meanwhile, questions are also being raised regarding the exclusion of Dr Ranjit Guha, Principal of IGIMS Medical College, from both panels, adds Hindustan Times.
This investigation was triggered by an anonymous email complaint sent on March 11 to senior officials at IGIMS and the Undergraduate Medical Education and Rating Board (MARB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The complaint alleged the existence of a racket involving an outsourced non-academic employee and others, who were purportedly assisting in the manipulation of answer sheets in exchange for money.
It was further alleged that some students were permitted to alter their answer sheets after the examination, a group that reportedly included approximately 40-50 students from the 2021 batch. The complainant also alleged that such malpractices had been ongoing for several years.
