Bhrigu Giri, also known as Rawatpura Sarkar or Ravishankar Maharaj, is a self-styled spiritual leader implicated in a major medical college bribery scandal in India, as uncovered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The scam centers around the manipulation of the medical college accreditation process, particularly at Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR) in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The CBI alleges that SRIMSR officials, including Rawatpura Sarkar and director Atul Kumar Tiwari, orchestrated a Rs 55 lakh bribe to secure favorable inspection reports from the National Medical Commission (NMC) despite infrastructural and academic shortcomings. Six individuals, including three doctors, were arrested in Bengaluru for accepting this bribe, with Rs 38.38 lakh and Rs 16.62 lakh recovered from two officials.
Nationwide Nexus: The investigation revealed a broader network involving over 40 medical colleges across states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. The scam involved fake faculty, forged biometric attendance, and falsified documents to deceive NMC assessors. A nexus between Rawatpura Sarkar and Suresh Singh Bhadoria of Indore’s Index Medical College allegedly charged Rs 3–5 crore per institution for guaranteed NMC recognition.
CBI FIR and Prominent Names: The CBI’s FIR, filed on June 30, 2025, names 35 individuals, including high-profile figures like former UGC Chairman DP Singh, retired IFS officer Sanjay Shukla, and Jitu Lal Meena, a former NMC member. The FIR cites violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) and the Prevention of Corruption Act (1988).
Modus Operandi: Bribes were routed through hawala channels and bank transfers, with confidential inspection schedules and assessor identities leaked via intermediaries like Mayur Raval, registrar of Geetanjali University. One instance involved funds used to build a Hanuman temple in Rajasthan.
Background on Rawatpura Sarkar:
Early Life and Rise: Born on July 5, 1968, in Chipri village, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Ravishankar Maharaj showed an early inclination toward spirituality, avoiding formal education. He established his spiritual base in Rawatpura village, Bhind district, near a Hanuman temple, gaining a large following. His Shri Rawatpura Sarkar Lok Kalyan Trust, founded in 2000, runs schools, colleges, hospitals, and charitable organizations, including Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University (2018).
Political Connections: Known as the “Baba close to power,” Rawatpura Sarkar has ties with politicians, ministers, and bureaucrats, with viral photos alongside IAS and IPS officers. His trust has allegedly benefited from undue favors in government schemes, road projects, and subsidies.
Past Controversies: Prior allegations against his trust include land encroachment, running unapproved colleges, forcing students into religious practices, and mental harassment of female followers in ashrams. Human rights commissions investigated these claims, but few reached prosecution until this CBI case.
Current Status:
The CBI has conducted raids across 40 locations in six states and arrested six individuals, with Atul Tiwari being the only named arrestee linked directly to SRIMSR. Rawatpura Sarkar himself has not been arrested, but his inclusion in the FIR marks his first major legal scrutiny. The investigation is ongoing, with potential Enforcement Directorate (ED) involvement.
Supporters of Rawatpura Sarkar deny the allegations, citing his social work in education and healthcare, while critics argue his influence exemplifies the misuse of religious authority for power.
Critical Perspective:
The scam highlights systemic corruption in India’s medical education system, raising questions about regulatory oversight and the influence of powerful figures. While the CBI’s findings are damning, Rawatpura Sarkar’s supporters claim he may be a victim of a broader conspiracy. The lack of prior prosecutions despite multiple allegations suggests either protection by influential allies or insufficient evidence in past cases. The ongoing investigation will likely determine whether these charges lead to convictions or remain another unresolved controversy.