Network widens as noose tightens in GMC paper leak case

NOVEMBER 9: Yet another doctor-professor, the fourth in the network, is found to be involved in the question paper leak last month at Gran...

NOVEMBER 9: Yet another doctor-professor, the fourth in the network, is found to be involved in the question paper leak last month at Grant Medical College. Police investigations conducted by the Economic Offences Wing suggest that the doctor and his two friends had a hand in passing the paper on to students. The entire well-entrenched network might involve nearly 12 people in all — from the peons to highly-placed doctors and professors in the college, said police sources.

Much of the information about the modus operandi has come from the statements given by Laxman Makwana, the peon, who was arrested last month. He is believed to have told the investigators that apart from Dr. RG Bhusale, deputy dean, professor of forensic medicine and controller of exams, and Dr. VK Agarwal, two other doctors are involved in the racket — Dr GS Bhavani and Dr. Joy. A photocopy of the gynaecology and obstretics paper was found with a student on October 18, hours before the exam was to begin.

Makwana is reported to have said that copies of this paper were given to Dr Bhavani and Dr Joy on October 13 and their two friends three days later.Investigation officer Assistant Police Inspector Sunil Chitre, in a remand application, filed before the Additional Chief Metropolitian Magistrate K H Holambe-Patil at 19th Esplande Court said it was necessary to interrogate Dr R G Bhusale who has been in the ICCU of JJ Hospital since his arrest. Bhusale, the officer said, can identify Dr Joy’s two friends who are believed to have gone underground.

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Makwana also told the police that at least two other exam papers could have been leaked during the month of October — those of Surgery and ENT. The police is investigating the possiblity that Dr Bhusale had collected Rs 500 each from First Year MBBS students for clearing them in the practical exam. He had collected these amounts through a peon, the officer added.

The police now suspect that more than a dozen people are involved in the scam. Their names have been withheld as they might flee the city or seek anticipatory bail.

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