The Shahapur scholarship scam has entered a major legal stage after Maharashtra Police filed a chargesheet in FIR No. 405/2023 against Venkatesh Gupta and Lavendra Bothra. The case concerns allegations involving excessive student fees, misuse of scholarship schemes, forged documentation, and diversion of government-linked funds connected to Alimuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology. Legislative intervention by multiple Maharashtra MLAs reportedly accelerated the investigation. Complainants have additionally alleged incomplete scrutiny of financial records, fictitious payroll structures, and unexamined banking transactions, while authorities continue proceedings before the Shahapur Judicial Magistrate Court.
Scholarship Scam: Chargesheet Filed Against Venkatesh Gupta and Principal Lavendra Bothra in Shahapur FIR 405/2023
Maharashtra police have submitted a chargesheet against Mr. Venkatesh Gupta and Principal Lavendra Bothra in FIR No. 405/2023 following legislative scrutiny and a high-level government inquiry.
Court Summons for Accused Amid Multi-Crore Irregularities
In Shahapur, District Thane, Maharashtra, FIR No. 405/2023 lists allegations against Venkatesh Gupta and Principal Mr. Lavendra Bothra, including overcharging students, misappropriating scholarships, and diversion of government revenue. The accused must appear in the Shahapur Judicial Magistrate Court on May 13, 2026.
Legislators Manisha Kayande, Mahesh Shinde, Dnyaneshwar Mhatre, and Prashant Bamb actively raised the matter in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, prompting expedited police action.
Integrated Tribal Development Project Committee Findings
The Integrated Tribal Development Project, Shahapur, submitted a report on Alimuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering and Technology, Saphgaon, Taluka Shahapur, administered by Koti Vidya Charitable Trust. Findings highlight:
- Excessive fees are charged to students.
- Misuse of State Government scholarship schemes.
- Submission of falsified affidavits and financial documents.
- Concealment of facts by officers in auditing and regulatory institutions.
Regulatory authorities named include AICTE, the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Mumbai University, the Fee Regulatory Authority, and the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education.
Alleged “Accused-Protective” Police Investigation
Complainants allege that police investigations have been biased, favoring primary beneficiaries and officials signing forged documents. Specific concerns include incomplete audit of multi-crore funds, unexamined money trails, and unseized bank accounts.
Additional allegations involve:
- Ignoring fictitious employees and fraudulent payroll records.
- Neglecting ₹1.02 crore misappropriated from the Provident Fund.
- No action on alleged revenue loss from forged construction approvals.
Complainants warned that if the chargesheet proceeds without a full investigation, writ petitions or judicial interventions will be filed.
Also Read: Kanakia Paris CHSL Dispute Raises Questions Over SRA case.
High-Level Government Inquiry Committee
Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Department, by order dated April 16, 2026, constituted a one-member High-Level Inquiry Committee chaired by Dr. Sunil Bhirud, Vice-Chancellor, College of Engineering, Pune.
Committee powers include:
- Summoning all persons, including Venkatesh Gupta, Principal Lavendra Bothra, and Koti Vidya Charitable Trust officials.
- Collecting all records, affidavits, bank statements, and administrative documentation.
- Recording statements of witnesses, complainants, and regulatory authority officials.
- Conducting on-site inspections of the Alimuri Ratnamala Institute.
- Submit a factual report with recommendations within three months.
Legislative Oversight and Context
Manisha Kayande’s repeated starred questions in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly spotlighted administrative malpractice, misappropriation of scholarship funds, and systemic risks to student welfare. Her interventions were pivotal in prompting direct government oversight.
The inquiry also reviews complaints filed with the Fee Regulatory Authority, DTE, Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai University, and the Higher and Technical Education Department.
Potential Legal Consequences
Based on the inquiry report, implicated individuals, including Venkatesh Gupta, Principal Lavendra Bothra, Koti Vidya Charitable Trust management, and related officials, may face disciplinary or legal action under:
- Maharashtra Public Universities Act
- Technical Education Rules and Regulations
- Fee Regulatory Authority directives
- Other applicable statutory provisions
Sprouts News reports that this intervention is viewed as a historic precedent in Maharashtra, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and protection of student interests.
Sprouts News first exposed the Shahapur scholarship scam and continues tracking developments closely. For exclusive insights or inquiries, contact investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi at +91 93227 55098.
