An assistant professor from the Sports Department of Gujarat College has been booked for allegedly cheating students by promising them jobs in the Air Force and selection in the state cricket team.
The accused, Pragnesh Barhat, allegedly collected lakhs of rupees from students by claiming he could arrange government jobs and cricket team selection. When the promised results did not materialise and he became unreachable, one of the students filed a complaint at Ellisbridge Police Station.
Rs 99,000 Taken for Cricket Team Selection
According to the complaint, Pratik Mishra, a resident of Sanand and a Gujarat College student, met Barhat while practising at the college’s volleyball ground. The professor first offered to help him secure an Air Force job for Rs 15,000. When Pratik declined, Barhat allegedly claimed he could get him selected for the state-level cricket team for Rs 45,500.
Believing the promise, Pratik transferred a total of Rs 99,000 to Barhat for his own selection and that of another friend.
Phone Switched Off After Taking Money
After receiving the money, the professor reportedly assured Pratik that he would soon receive an official email confirming the selection. However, no email arrived, and when Pratik tried to contact him, Barhat’s phone was switched off.
During his inquiry, Pratik allegedly discovered that two other students had also paid Rs 15,000 each after being promised jobs in the Air Force.
Based on the complaint, Ellisbridge Police have registered a case against the professor for allegedly cheating students of Rs 1.29 lakh. Further investigation is underway.