The Mumbai University Plagiarism controversy has intensified after a complaint seeking a criminal investigation was reportedly filed at Azad Maidan Police Station against several senior academic administrators and institutional officials. The complaint alleges that a publication authored by alleged fraudster Manju Lalwani-Pathak, Principal of C. H. M. College, substantially resembled an earlier work by British author Rosemary Varley. Complainant K. V. J. Rao has further alleged that the publication was used for promotions and institutional benefits despite alleged prior awareness of plagiarism concerns. Multiple university-linked officials have been named, though no judicial finding establishing wrongdoing has yet been made.
Mumbai University Plagiarism Case: FIR Sought Against CHM College Principal and Senior Academic Officials
A complaint filed at Azad Maidan Police Station in Mumbai has sought registration of an FIR against senior Mumbai University-linked officials over alleged plagiarism, promotion irregularities, and misuse of public funds.
The Mumbai University plagiarism case has triggered significant attention after a complaint seeking criminal investigation was reportedly filed against senior academic administrators, institutional office-bearers, principals, and former principals linked to affiliated colleges.
The complaint was submitted at Azad Maidan Police Station, Mumbai, by complainant K. V. J. Rao, who is known for pursuing public interest and accountability-related matters concerning administrative and institutional governance.
According to the complaint, alleged fraudster Manju Lalwani-Pathak, Principal of C. H. M. College, Ulhasnagar, published a book in 2015 titled “Retail Product Management New Prospective.”
The complaint alleges that the publication was substantially similar to British author Rosemary Varley’s original work, “Retail Product Management – Buying and Merchandising,” with allegations claiming nearly 80 per cent resemblance.
The complaint further alleges that Mumbai University had prior knowledge regarding the alleged plagiarism issue connected to the publication and related academic proceedings.
No judicial finding or official criminal determination establishing wrongdoing against the accused individuals has been publicly confirmed at the time of publication, and all allegations remain subject to legal examination and investigation.
Allegations of Promotion Irregularities and Administrative Inaction
The complaint further claims that the alleged plagiarism-linked publication was purportedly used for securing academic promotions and obtaining the position of principal.
According to the allegations, the same book was later republished under the identical title and ISBN number despite the controversy surrounding the earlier publication.
The complainant has alleged that university authorities failed to initiate appropriate criminal or administrative action despite allegedly possessing knowledge regarding the matter and associated academic concerns.
The complaint also raises questions regarding the alleged receipt of salary, benefits, and institutional advantages funded through public resources while the controversy allegedly remained unresolved.
Individuals named in the complaint include Mrs. Manju Pathak, Principal, C. H. M. College, Ulhasnagar; Dr. Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, Mumbai University; and Dr. Prasad Karande, Registrar, Mumbai University.
The complaint additionally names Dr. S. T. Gadde, former Principal, C. K. T. College, Panvel, and Dr. Vijay Joshi, former Principal, S. K. Somaiya College, Vidya Vihar, Mumbai.
Further names mentioned include Dr. Smita Shukla, Director, Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute, Mumbai University Campus, Kalina, and Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President, Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board.
The complaint also references Dinesh Panchwani, Secretary, Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate Board, Mistry Bhavan, Churchgate, Mumbai, along with other unidentified individuals.
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Demands for FIR and Criminal Investigation Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Complainant K. V. J. Rao has reportedly sought immediate registration of an FIR and a detailed investigation under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to serious criminal offences.
The complaint reportedly invokes allegations associated with cheating, criminal breach of trust, forged documentation, criminal conspiracy, and alleged misuse of public funds connected to the academic matter.
The complainant has further argued that the matter requires transparent and urgent action because public servants and senior academic administrators are allegedly connected to the controversy.
Legal observers state that plagiarism allegations within higher educational institutions can have broader implications involving academic integrity, institutional credibility, and governance standards within publicly connected educational systems.
Experts in higher education administration note that academic publications often play a critical role in promotions, appointments, institutional reputation, and eligibility for leadership positions in colleges and universities.
If any allegations are substantiated through official inquiry or criminal investigation, the matter could potentially involve administrative, academic, and legal consequences for individuals and institutions associated with the
At the time of publication, no official public response from the named individuals regarding the allegations mentioned in the complaint was available to Sprouts News.
The matter is expected to witness further developments if law enforcement authorities, university bodies, or regulatory institutions initiate formal inquiry proceedings, administrative review, or criminal investigation in the coming period.
Readers Appeal
Unmesh Gujarathi, Senior Investigative Journalist from Mumbai, is examining matters linked to academic integrity, institutional governance, and public accountability. Readers, students, faculty members, whistleblowers, or officials possessing verified documents, university correspondence, inquiry records, or related information may confidentially contact the investigation team at 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.
