A fake Unique Disability ID (UDID) card scam linked to MBBS admissions has been exposed across Koppal, Hosapete, and Bengaluru. On September 10, Malleswaram police in Bengaluru arrested Dr. Sudhakar, an ophthalmologist at the Mangaluru Village Primary Health Centre in Kukanur taluk, Koppal, for allegedly issuing these counterfeit cards.
Health department sources revealed the racket was aimed at helping candidates secure MBBS seats under the disabled quota. The case came to light after complaints from multiple districts triggered an investigation. A senior health official said the steep cost of MBBS seats, especially government ones worth crores, had driven some aspirants to procure fake UDID cards. He added that many students approached rural doctors, as government doctors in cities avoided such malpractice.
KEA director Prasanna H, in a video statement, confirmed the detection of such cases and warned that any student found guilty would face strict action, including disqualification from the KEA admission process.
Following Dr. Sudhakar’s arrest, police conducted inquiries in Koppal, Hosapete, and other areas, completing mahazar and panchanama proceedings. During counseling, KEA officials noticed identical signatures on several disability certificates and UDID cards. Investigation revealed 21 students with suspicious documents, many of whom admitted to obtaining them from Dr. Sudhakar, DHO office sources said.
District Health Officer Dr. T. Lingaraju clarified that he was unaware of Sudhakar’s role. “Police took him into custody on September 10 after the allegations, and an inquiry was initiated. I have since suspended him,” he said.