ARMIET College Scandal: Fresh Allegations of property tax Default and Systemic Fraud Rock Thane Institute
• The Ground property tax Default: A Fresh Legal Blow
• A History of Financial Mismanagement and Fraud
• Scholarship, PF, and Bogus Staff Allegations
A Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has exposed new allegations of property tax and rent default at ARMIET College, Thane. The scandal compounds earlier charges of scholarship fraud, PF misappropriation, and bogus staffing. The institute, led by Director Alamuri Venkatesh Gupta and Principal Dr. Lavendra S. Bothra, faces scrutiny for alleged financial manipulation and systemic mismanagement. The revelations have sparked widespread concern over educational accountability and misuse of public funds.
- ARMIET College Scandal: Fresh Allegations of property tax Default and Systemic Fraud Rock Thane Institute
- • The Ground property tax Default: A Fresh Legal Blow
- • A History of Financial Mismanagement and Fraud
- • Scholarship, PF, and Bogus Staff Allegations
- ARMIET College Scandal: Fresh Allegations of Rent Default/ Property Tax and Systemic Fraud Rock Thane Institute
- The Ground Rent/Property Tax Default: A Fresh Legal Blow
- A History of Financial Mismanagement and Fraud
- Scholarship, PF, and Bogus Staff Allegations
- Legal Proceedings and Police Investigation
- Administrative Inaction and Political Connections
- Public Outcry and Demands for Accountability
- A Test Case for Educational Governance
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ARMIET College Scandal: Fresh Allegations of Rent Default/ Property Tax and Systemic Fraud Rock Thane Institute
Alamuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology (ARMIET) in Sapgaon, Thane, is embroiled in a deepening crisis. A Sprouts News Special Investigation Team probe reveals a new alleged rent default/ property tax scandal. This adds to serious existing accusations of financial mismanagement and fraud against the institute’s leadership.
The college management, led by Director Alamuri Venkatesh Gupta and Principal Dr Lavendra S. Bothra, faces intense scrutiny. They are accused of systematically compromising educational standards and student welfare. This multi-crore scandal has damaged the trust of students, parents, and government bodies.
The Ground Rent/Property Tax Default: A Fresh Legal Blow
The Sapgaon Gram Panchayat recently served a lockdown notice to ARMIET. This action was taken for non-payment of due property tax for the college building. The notice highlights a severe breach of the institution’s fundamental financial obligations.
Official records suggest fraudulent practices in property tax and development fund reporting. the Gram Panchayat’s treasury reportedly shows no corresponding deposits.
This new development points to a potential “building drama” surpassing previous educational fraud allegations. It reveals a pattern of financial irresponsibility and alleged deception at the highest level.
A History of Financial Mismanagement and Fraud
This property tax issue is not an isolated incident for ARMIET College. It follows a series of previous grave financial accusations documented by authorities. These allegations form a complex web of systemic financial malpractice.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, one student was charged nearly ₹1 lakh in fees. The fee was only reduced to ₹60,000 after a formal complaint was lodged. This case is a microcosm of a larger, systemic fee structure manipulation.
An estimated 6,000 students have been affected by these irregular practices. The total scale of the alleged fee fraud is speculated to exceed ₹120 crore. This represents a massive financial betrayal of students and their families.
Scholarship, PF, and Bogus Staff Allegations
Beyond tuition fees, the scandal extends to scholarships and provident funds. Authorities suspect forgery in the names listed for government scholarships and employee PF accounts. This indicates a potential misuse of state grants intended for student and staff welfare.
A shocking allegation involves the creation of a bogus employee roster. The payroll allegedly included names of relatives, friends, and even former staff who had resigned. Salaries were drawn for these non-existent or ineligible personnel.
This was done in clear violation of enhanced salary payment regulations. It points to a deliberate attempt to inflate operational costs and syphon institutional funds.
Legal Proceedings and Police Investigation
The Shahapur Police Station has registered a formal FIR (No. 405/2023) in this matter. The charges are severe and include sections 34, 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code. These sections cover acts related to criminal breach of trust, cheating, and forgery.
The charges suggest a prima facie case of organised financial fraud has been established. Despite being released on bail, the Bothra-Gupta management duo continues to operate. This has raised serious questions about the efficacy of current legal checks.
The police investigation is ongoing, but a swift conclusion is awaited by all stakeholders. The delay in a chargesheet is contributing to a growing sense of public frustration and injustice.
Also Read: Bombay HC Dismisses Akasa Air Pilot’s POSH Petition.
Administrative Inaction and Political Connections
A critical question remains: why the perceived inaction from regulatory bodies? The Fee Regulatory Authority, Directorate of Technical Education, and Mumbai University are under scrutiny. Their continued silence and delayed action are baffling students and the public.
This inertia has sparked widespread debate about potential “pocket politics.” Many speculate that high-level political connections are shielding the accused management. This is influencing the slow pace of administrative and legal accountability.
It is alleged the Bothra-Gupta duo wields significant influence with high-ranking officials. Interventions from ministerial levels are suspected to be stalling decisive action against the institute.
Public Outcry and Demands for Accountability
The scandal has triggered a massive backlash from students, parents, and civil society. Former teachers and social organisations are leading a vocal protest against the management. Their demands are clear and unequivocal for the authorities.
Protesters are demanding the immediate removal of the “corrupt Bothra-Gupta duo.” There are loud calls for the appointment of an independent administrator to oversee ARMIET. The primary goal is to secure students’ academic futures and financial interests.
The united public voice is asking a simple, powerful question: “How long will this educational loot be allowed to continue?” They are urging the state government to intervene directly and restore institutional integrity.
A Test Case for Educational Governance
ARMIET College has tragically become a symbol of systemic educational fraud in Maharashtra. It is no longer just an institution grappling with administrative failures. The cascade of allegations—from rent defaults and fee fraud to bogus staff—paints a dire picture.
Immediate and stringent action on all fronts is now non-negotiable. The credibility of the state’s entire technical education system is at stake. The authorities must act decisively to break this cycle of alleged corruption and impunity.
If the government and regulators remain passive, the consequences will be severe. Student futures, parental investments, and public trust in education will be the ultimate casualties. This case is a critical test for educational governance and accountability in the state.
