MBBS seat scam by pastor: Parents taken to Vellore Medical College as part of fraud; partner in crime disguised as bishop

THRISSUR: The fake pastor, who swindled crores of rupees from many people on the pretext of getting them MBBS seats, took the parents to Vellore for the fraud and cheated them by showing them the medical college and its surroundings. He communicated with the parents after disguising his associate as a bishop.

'Pastor' Jacob Thomas, who was arrested the other day, revealed the modus operandi of his fraud to the police. He will come to the college with the parents saying that the church has a quota in Vellore Medical College and that he will get them that seat. After asking the parents to stay outside the college, he goes inside and comes out after some time. The parents will be taken to another place saying that they can meet the bishop and discuss things. Paul Gladson, who belongs to the pastor's group, will be there dressed as a bishop. The fake bishop will give an assurance to the parents. It will be suggested that the meeting should be very confidential and not to tell anyone else. Money is taken after that.

Parents did not tell anyone because they thought that their children would lose the opportunity if the matter was revealed. The fraudsters were not available on the phone later. There was no notification regarding the admission either.

It was only when some parents went directly to Vellore and conducted an inquiry that they came to know that no agency has been entrusted to allot the church seats and the seats are being given through the direct selection of the church. The police said that it will be clear whether any other fraud has been committed in a similar manner only after further questioning of the remanded accused.