Ahmedabad : In a major action against alleged corruption in India’s pharmacy education system, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted searches at the Ahmedabad residence of Montu Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The search was conducted at his bungalow in Zundal as part of a widening investigation into bribery and irregularities in the recognition of pharmacy colleges across several states, particularly Maharashtra.

It is learnt that Patel is suspected of accepting bribes both at his official residence in Delhi and in Ahmedabad. While he has not been arrested, officials said the evidence recovered from the searches is substantial.

A senior CBI official revealed that during Patel’s tenure, recognitions were allegedly granted in exchange for money. “We have found credible proof of fake documentation, backdated approvals, and manipulation within the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) to promote certain individuals,” the official said.

The CBI had reportedly been monitoring Patel for months after receiving multiple complaints accusing him of misusing his authority to provide unauthorized approvals to pharmacy colleges, thereby undermining education standards.

Investigators said GPSC records were altered using fake inward numbers and manipulated entries to elevate Patel and his associates within the PCI. These actions allegedly helped create an internal network that shielded the corrupt practices from scrutiny.

The probe has now widened beyond Gujarat, with Maharashtra emerging as a key focus area where numerous colleges allegedly secured PCI recognition through forged approvals.

The developments have sparked widespread criticism of the Pharmacy Council of India. Several educationists and activists have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the PCI’s regulatory framework.

Patel is accused of illegitimately becoming PCI President, collecting large sums under the guise of granting approvals to pharmacy colleges, and purchasing a ₹117 crore office and a ₹17 crore bungalow without justification. Notably, Patel became the youngest PCI President four years ago and is also the first Gujarati to hold the position. He is known to have connections with the BJP’s youth wing.

Meanwhile, according to reports, whistleblower Ajay Soni from Maharashtra has stated that Patel amassed over ₹5,000 crore in just one year through corrupt practices. Initially nominated to the PCI from Gujarat when he was the state pharmacy council president, Patel was not re-nominated after losing the next election. He then allegedly got himself nominated from Diu-Daman through fraudulent means, violating pharmacy laws that prohibit dual state memberships without resignation.

Soni also claimed that Patel is backed by a senior Congress leader who allegedly holds properties worth ₹300–350 crore in Patel’s name. Despite being associated with the BJP, Patel continues to receive support from this Congress figure, raising political questions. Patel is also known to pressure college managements by invoking the names of senior BJP leaders, forcing them to comply out of fear. DeshGujarat