Koti Vidya Trust case led Govt forms inquiry panel into Shahapur institute complaints.

The Koti Vidya Charitable Trust case has gained attention after the Maharashtra government ordered a high-level inquiry into complaints linked to Almuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology. Authorities cited allegations related to administrative practices, financial issues, and regulatory compliance. The inquiry has been assigned to a committee headed by Dr Sunil Bhirud, with powers to review records and examine stakeholders. The investigation is expected to be completed within three months. No final findings have been issued, and all allegations remain subject to verification and official conclusions.

Koti Vidya Charitable Trust case: Maharashtra orders high-level probe into Shahapur engineering institute complaints

The Maharashtra government has appointed a high-level inquiry committee to examine alleged irregularities at Almuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology in Shahapur, Thane district.

The Koti Vidya Charitable Trust case has intensified after the Maharashtra government ordered a formal inquiry into complaints involving Almuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology.

The institute, located at Sapgaon in Shahapur taluka of Thane, is run by Koti Vidya Charitable Trust.

Officials cited complaints alleging administrative irregularities, financial misconduct, rule violations, opaque procedures, and decisions allegedly affecting the academic interests of enrolled students.

The move follows years of representations reportedly submitted before multiple education and regulatory bodies regarding the institution’s functioning and internal management systems.

Authorities said complaints had reached the Fee Regulatory Authority, Directorate of Technical Education, Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, and University of Mumbai.

The Higher and Technical Education Department has now initiated a structured fact-finding process through a specially appointed committee with defined powers and timelines.

Manisha Kayande raised an issue in the legislature

According to official references cited in the matter, Manisha Kayande raised a starred question in the Maharashtra Legislature regarding the allegations.

She reportedly sought government intervention over alleged corruption in education administration, concerns about students’ futures, and claims of institutional malpractice requiring urgent scrutiny.

Sources familiar with the matter said sustained follow-up from Kayande helped bring the issue to the attention of senior decision-makers.

The state government subsequently issued a Government Resolution dated 16 April 2026 authorising the constitution of a one-member inquiry committee.

That committee is headed by Dr Sunil Bhirud, who has been appointed as chairperson of the inquiry panel.

COEP Technological University is among Maharashtra’s recognised engineering institutions and was referenced in the appointment order.

To view the case-related documents – Click here

Wide powers granted to the inquiry committee

According to the order, the panel has been granted powers to review all complaints submitted before relevant departments and associated technical education authorities.

The committee may summon concerned persons, seek records, call for institutional documents, review registers, and record statements from complainants and stakeholders.

Officials said the panel can also collect documentary evidence, examine financial or administrative material, and conduct on-site inspections if considered necessary.

The scope includes allegations relating to fee collection practices, governance processes, transparency standards, staffing concerns, and regulatory compliance obligations.

Authorities indicated that findings may be shared with departments overseeing higher education, technical institutions, and related statutory bodies after completion.

Three-month deadline for final report

The Maharashtra government has directed the committee to complete the inquiry within three months and submit recommendations in a final report.

Any future action would depend on the evidence, conclusions, and legal findings recorded by the panel after reviewing submissions and documentation.

Possible measures, if violations are established, may arise under the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, technical education regulations, and other applicable laws.

No final findings have yet been issued, and allegations remain subject to official verification through the inquiry process now underway.

Sprouts News has not independently verified each complaint mentioned in the representations, and no adjudicatory conclusion has yet been reached.

Also Read: Mumbai Police Arrest J&K Women Cricketer in Sextortion Case.

Why the case matters beyond one institute

Education experts say governance disputes at professional institutes often raise broader questions around accountability, student welfare, and institutional transparency standards.

Students and parents frequently depend on regulators to ensure fee fairness, quality controls, and lawful administration in private or trust-run institutions.

The present case is being closely watched because it could influence oversight expectations across Maharashtra’s technical education ecosystem.

Observers note that decisive action in one matter can prompt wider compliance reviews among similarly placed educational institutions.

What happens next

The committee is expected to begin document review, stakeholder interaction, and evidence assessment before drafting its conclusions.

Once submitted, the state government may decide whether disciplinary, regulatory, or administrative action is warranted against any responsible individuals or entities.

With statewide attention now focused on the report, the Koti Vidya Charitable Trust inquiry may become a significant test of education-sector accountability in Maharashtra.

Readers’ Appeal

Unmesh Gujarathi is an investigative journalist in Mumbai and the owner of Sprouts News, a newspaper widely discussed in Mumbai and known for exposing alleged frauds and scams.

If you have any news tips, documents, or information of public interest, you may contact 9322755098.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.