Mumbai Architecture College Fraud: Court Denies Principal’s Bail as Students Say Their Careers Were Ruined
A Mumbai sessions court has refused anticipatory bail to Sunil Magdum, the principal of Dr Baliram Hiray College of Architecture, in a case involving alleged fake and unrecognised vocational degree courses that reportedly affected the future of several students.
The court observed that the alleged fraud had seriously harmed students’ education and left many of them distressed about their careers and future opportunities.
Additional Sessions Judge M B Oza said there appeared to be enough initial evidence showing that students may have been misled, adding that more people could be involved in the case. The court also stated that custodial interrogation was necessary to investigate how the alleged fraud was carried out.
The complaint was filed by student Nidhi Rait, who alleged that students were encouraged to join a Bachelor of Vocation course in interior design after being told that the institute was linked with Sangai International University and that the university was recognised by the UGC. Students were also reportedly promised internships and placement opportunities.
According to the complaint, students paid around Rs 80,000 per year in fees for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 academic sessions. However, they later discovered through UGC notices that the university was allegedly “self-styled and unrecognised,” making the degrees invalid for jobs or higher studies.
Students further claimed that despite knowing about the recognition issue, the institute continued admitting new students without informing them properly. They also alleged that promised internships never materialised, examinations and results were repeatedly delayed, and later the college claimed affiliation with Sikkim International University, which students allegedly found to be unrecognised as well.
The complaint also mentioned serious irregularities in marksheets and exam records, including inconsistent marks, missing seals and signatures, and questionable documentation formats.
In his defence, Magdum argued that the FIR against him was false and said the college had informed students once it became aware of the recognition issue involving Sangai International University. He claimed efforts were made to protect students’ academic futures by coordinating with other universities. He also stated that marksheets were issued by the universities, not by him personally.
However, investigators told the court that custodial interrogation was important to determine how the alleged fake documents were prepared, how much money may have been collected, and whether others were involved in the operation. Police also argued that granting bail at this stage could affect evidence and the ongoing investigation.
The case has raised fresh concerns about unrecognised educational institutions and the impact such controversies can have on students who invest both money and years of their lives hoping for a secure future.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
