The CBI probe into the functioning of MCI and alleged role of the medical education regulator's chief in awarding recognition to those not fulfilling the requirements may also bring other Medical Council of India officials under scanner.

The probe has been widened after the agency received numerous complaints regarding the functioning of the country's education regulator, sources said.

They said the investigating agency is currently studying the complaints received and if need be will also extend the probe to more than one year, the time-frame fixed for current probe.

They said all relevant documents would be examined before starting a full-fledged investigation into the possible role of various officials and colleges.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had on April 23 arrested MCI chief Ketan Desai and two others for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs two crore to grant recognition to a Punjab-based private medical college.

Desai is currently in judicial custody.

Subsequent searches at various premises of Desai is alleged to have revealed huge amounts of cash, investments and gold, all worth several crores of rupees.

According to CBI Director Ashwani Kumar, the agency has decided to focus on areas which are directly relevant to the public and the society at large.

"We have identified areas of crime which affect the life of the common people of this country. For example, spurious drugs and sub-standard medicines, adulteration of food and items of daily use, corruption in health and education sectors among others," Kumar had said on Monday.

He said the CBI will also campaign to stop human trafficking of women and children.

"This year, we are are going to make a concerted effort to focus all our attention to redefine our role in these areas," Kumar said.