Tout: Patel works as a peon in Elphinstone College's library. pic taken using hidden camera

After the cash-for-votes scandal, now comes the cash-for-admissions scam. A person named Patel assured MiD DAY's undercover reporters that he could easily provide admission at reputed institutes like the Elphinstone College at Kala Ghoda or the Bhavan's College at Girgaum Chowpatty, for anything between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000.

Reporter Kranti Vibhute, assisted by an NSUI activist, posed as the elder sister of Roshan Rizvi, who sought admission into FYJC. Patel said he is associated with Elphinstone College and can get 'work done' through Mantralaya. He met our reporters outside St Xavier's College in south Mumbai. Following is the transcript of their conversation:

Kranti: I want admission into FYJC for my brother
Patel: How much has he scored?
Kranti: 64.15%  
Patel: Have you brought the original mark sheet and documents?
Kranti: No, I have a photocopy. I'll get the originals later
Patel: Had you brought the originals, I would have given you an FYJC seat right now
Kranti: I wasn't sure if I'd get admission with these marks
Patel: I hope you know about the money. How much have you bought?
Kranti: I know. Rs 40,000
Patel: Where all have you applied?
Kranti: In all major colleges of south Mumbai
Patel: Have you applied in Elphinstone College?
Kranti: No. I had not bought the admission form
Patel: No problem. Give me Rs 100 and I'll get you the form
Kranti: Is the admission confirmed? What if I don't get it?
Patel: Then, I'll ensure a seat in Bhavan's college. I have my sources there as well
Kranti: What if I don't get admission there as well?
Patel: Mag Mantralaya-madhun karun ghein (Then, I will get it done through Mantralaya)
Kranti: Will I have to pay more?
Patel: No. I'll get it done for the same amount
Kranti: When should I come?
Patel: Tomorrow morning. Don't forget to get the originals and Rs 100
Kranti: Whom will I have to pay and where should I give the money?
Patel: Once your admission is done, a third person will escort you to a place. You'll have to pay money there.

We met Patel the next day outside St Xavier's College, as decided. He took Rs 100 for the admission form that actually cost Rs 50. He said he'd give the form only after receiving the originals. He called us outside Elphinstone College at 2 pm. When we met him there, he said, "If I give you the form here, I'll lose my job."

Patel then took us opposite Elphinstone College. Here, he handed over the form to Kranti and told her to come the following day with the originals to confirm admission.

Lakshmi Vyas, principal of Elphinstone College, confirmed Patel is indeed associated with the college. "Yes, Patel works as a peon in the library. I will take disciplinary action against him after an enquiry," she said.