In a shocking turn of events, the Thane City Police have registered a case against eight officials of the prestigious FIITJEE Institute, following allegations of a massive scam involving 80 students and a whopping Rs 3.20 crore. This incident has left many aspiring IIT and JEE candidates in dismay, their dreams hanging in the balance.
What Went Wrong?
The FIITJEE Institute, known for its top-notch coaching for IIT and JEE entrance exams, suddenly ceased operations on December 5, 2024. This abrupt closure left students and parents in a lurch, with no classes and no explanation. When concerned parents demanded a refund of their fees, they were met with threats and evasion tactics from the institute's management.
The Allegations
- 80 students were allegedly cheated out of Rs 3.20 crore in total
- The institute collected over Rs 6 lakh per student for a two-year engineering preparation course
- Classes were suddenly discontinued from December 5, 2024
- Officials threatened parents who asked for fee refunds
The Legal Action
Based on a complaint by Vinayak Kadam, a resident of Badlapur, the Thane City Police have filed an FIR against eight FIITJEE officials under various sections of the BNS Act. The accused include:
- Anuj Rathore, Vikas Sharma, Sharad Shukla, and Prashant Bhagat from the Thane branch
- Mohit Sardana from the Mumbai branch
- D.K. Goel, Rajeev Babbar, and Manish Anand from Delhi
Senior PI Vijay Kumar Deshmukh stated that investigations are ongoing, and the police are currently searching for the accused.
Impact on Students
This scandal has not only caused financial losses but has also jeopardized the academic future of many students. With their preparation disrupted mid-way through the academic year, these aspiring engineers now face an uncertain path ahead.
"We're completely devastated. Not only have we lost a significant amount of money, but our children's academic year is also ruined. We don't have the funds for admission elsewhere now." - Vinayak Kadam, complainant
A Pattern of Controversy?
Interestingly, this isn't the first time FIITJEE has found itself in hot water. The company's founder-chairman, D.K. Goel, was previously involved in a controversy where he allegedly used abusive language towards an employee during an online meeting. This incident, too, is under investigation.
What Next?
As the investigation unfolds, students and parents are left grappling with the aftermath of this scandal. Many are exploring alternative coaching options, while others are considering legal action to recover their losses.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when choosing educational institutes, especially those promising high-stakes exam preparation.
As we await further developments in this case, one thing is clear: the road ahead for these affected students is challenging, but with determination and support, they can overcome this setback and continue pursuing their dreams.
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