A major scholarship scam has come to light in Junagadh, where the director of a private educational institute allegedly misused the documents of Scheduled Caste students to withdraw scholarship money from their bank accounts.
The accused, Darshan Natwardas Meswaniya, administrator of Gujarat Education Institute in the Joshipra area, has been booked by police for allegedly cheating students in the name of providing admissions and scholarships.
According to the investigation, the institute collected documents from 40 Scheduled Caste students, claiming to arrange free admissions in various courses. Using these documents, bank accounts were opened and scholarship benefits were processed.
Police found that scholarship funds worth Rs 24.44 lakh were credited to the accounts of 21 students. Of this amount, Rs 11.03 lakh was allegedly withdrawn fraudulently.
The scam came to light after a video from the institute went viral two months ago. The video allegedly showed a woman claiming that students could be guaranteed passing marks in Class 10, Class 12, and college examinations in exchange for money.
Following the viral video, the Special Operations Group (SOG) raided the institute and seized computers, laptops, nine mobile phones, 110 SIM card covers, admission records, and students’ educational documents.
Further investigation revealed that 149 Fino Payments Bank kits were found at the office and had been used to open accounts for students receiving post-matric scholarships.
Based on the findings, PSI S.A. Solanki of the Parole Furlough Squad filed a complaint against Darshan Meswaniya. B Division Police have registered a case under charges including criminal breach of trust, cheating, and embezzlement. Further investigation is underway to determine whether more students were affected.