Hyderabad Fraud: PhD Holder Used Fake Admissions and Predictor App to Swindle Medical Aspirants

A multi-state investigation has uncovered a major alleged admission fraud targeting NEET aspirants, in which a Hyderabad-based education consultant is accused of cheating students and parents by promising fake MBBS admissions, forged allotment letters, and guaranteed seats in reputed medical colleges. The case, now being jointly probed by the Pune Police, Mumbai Police, and Telangana Police, has revealed how fear and uncertainty around medical admissions were allegedly exploited for financial gain. Authorities say the accused operated through consultancy branches in Pune and Mumbai while maintaining a base in Hyderabad, building trust among aspirants seeking medical seats.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly created an elaborate system of deception involving fabricated admission guarantees and manipulated documents that appeared to be official allotment letters. He is also suspected of using a “college predictor” application and counselling-style services to convince families that he had access to insider admission channels. Victims were reportedly assured of MBBS seats even when their NEET ranks did not qualify, creating a false sense of security that led many to pay large sums of money. Police say the fraud was structured to appear legitimate and was marketed aggressively to anxious students and parents.

The accused, identified as Adityakumar alias Aravind Prakash Kumar Arogonda alias Aditya Kumar, aged 47, was recently taken into custody by the Pune Police from Arthur Road Prison in Mumbai, where he had been lodged in judicial custody following his earlier arrest by Mumbai Police. Officials said his custody was obtained last week as part of the ongoing coordinated investigation across multiple states. The probe is now focused on mapping the extent of the fraud network, identifying additional victims, and tracing the financial transactions linked to the consultancy operations.

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Investigators have noted that the scheme primarily targeted NEET aspirants and their families, who often face intense pressure due to limited medical seats and high competition. Police believe the accused capitalized on this anxiety by presenting himself as a highly qualified consultant with academic credentials, including claims of holding a PhD. By positioning his services as expert guidance, he allegedly gained credibility among students who were desperate for admission opportunities, especially during counselling phases when uncertainty is highest.

Authorities also revealed that the accused’s consultancy operated across multiple cities, including Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, giving it the appearance of a legitimate national-level education advisory network. Officials suspect that digital tools, promotional materials, and fake documentation were used to strengthen the illusion of authenticity. The case has raised concerns about unregulated education consultancy practices and the vulnerability of students in competitive entrance examinations, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of admission advisory services.

Police officials said the investigation is still underway and more details are expected as financial records, communication logs, and victim statements are analyzed. Authorities are working to determine the total number of students affected and the scale of monetary losses involved. They have also urged aspirants and parents to verify admission-related claims through official channels and remain cautious of intermediaries promising guaranteed seats, emphasizing that all legitimate medical admissions are strictly governed by NEET merit and official counselling processes.

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