Escalating their long-pending grievances, interior design students, along with activists from the Maharashtra Navanirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS), have registered an FIR against Bandra’s B.D. Hiray College at the Kherwadi Police Station.
The complaint has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 318(2) and 318(4), which pertain to cheating and fraud.
Marksheets Issued, But Discrepancies Raise Concerns
As previously reported by Mid-Day on March 22, students enrolled at the interior design study centre of B.D. Hiray College alleged that they had not received recognised degrees or marksheets even two years after completing their course.
On March 24, students from the first batch confirmed receiving their marksheets. However, they claimed that crucial details such as subjects, examination dates, and marks did not match their original curriculum, raising serious concerns about the authenticity of the documents issued.
Questions Over University Affiliations
In their statement to the police, students alleged that they were charged Rs 80,000 in fees and were informed that the study centre was affiliated with “Sangai International University, Manipur.” The institution was later reportedly delisted by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Following this, the college allegedly shifted its affiliation to Sikkim International University, a move that has further deepened students’ doubts regarding the legitimacy of their qualifications.
MNVS Demands Strict Action
Speaking on the issue, Santosh Gangurde, State General Secretary of MNVS, alleged widespread malpractice in the education sector.
“The trustees and principals of some colleges are cheating students by luring them with promises of higher education and issuing fake or invalid certificates. This is a serious issue that endangers students’ futures and raises questions about the entire education system,” he said.
He further criticised the response of authorities, stating that the alleged inaction of the state government and concerned agencies is a matter of concern.
“MNS Vidyarthi Sena strongly condemns such fraudulent practices and demands strict action against those responsible,” Gangurde added.
