Four candidates in the medical rank list withdrew from the ongoing counselling after admitting to possessing double nativity certificates.
They were among the nine candidates against whom the Health Department had lodged a complaint with the Chennai Commissioner of Police on August 24, as they had claimed nativity in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
This year, NEET scores is the basis for medical seats in the State and on the first day of general counselling itself, Health secretary J. Radhakrishnan had warned of criminal action and withdrawal of allotment if malpractice was proved.
“When we interrogated the nine candidates, four of them admitted to have double nativity certificates,” said Director of Medical Education, A. Edwin Joe.
The DME has so far received at least four complaints. Three complaints were received on Sunday about 50 candidates from Puducherry claiming nativity here and in the UT. Another complaint was received through social media from abroad, he said.
Meanwhile, Ezhilan Naganathan, who runs Youth Org, listed 189 candidates whose names figured in the medical merit list of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
“We found that 932 candidates who had been allotted seats in management quota hold two nativity certificates. If these candidates are eliminated after a thorough examination, then more Tamil Nadu students will be eligible,” he said. As many as 188 candidates from Andhra Pradesh and 149 from Telangana are featured in the merit list, among the total of 1,269 candidates who have applied under the management category from other states, Mr. Naganathan pointed out.
According of officials, the confusion has arisen as Tamil Nadu has used the NEET registration number (eight digit) whereas Kerala has used the NEET roll number (nine digits). If Tamil Nadu had also gone for roll number, then the numbers would have matched making it easy to identify such candidates.
Since Andhra Pradesh and Telangana permit candidates only from their State to participate in medical counselling a similar situation has not arisen, Mr. Naganathan said.
When contacted, the city police said they were verifying all the complaints received and had referred them back to the Health Secretary.
Second round
Medical Education officials said if the complaints are proven, then the seats would be redistributed during the second round of counselling.
“If, however, scrutiny is delayed, the department may have to appeal to the Medical Council of India for an extension to complete the process,” Dr. Edwin said.
On Sunday, seats in OC, BC and BCM category in government medical colleges were filled. The selection committee had called 1,596 candidates for counselling.
On Monday the officials had slated counselling for 2,989 candidates but with fewer seats on offer, selection secretary G. Selvarajan asked parents and candidates to visit www.tnhealth.org and tnmedicalselection.org to ascertain the availability of seats in their respective category before coming to the venue.
“Even if they come, they will only be wait-listed. In any case, candidates will be able to participate in the second round of counselling,” Dr. Edwin said.
