Pune: Disturbing Allegations Against PIBS Director Arindham Ghosh Emerge in Hinjawadi

Varad Bhatkhande

Hinjawadi, 21st March 2024: From August 1, 2023, to March 17, 2024, disturbing incidents unfolded at the Pune Institute of Business Studies (PIBS) in Hinjawadi, involving the institution’s director, Arindham Ghosh, and female students. One victim, a student at the institute, bravely stepped forward to lodge a formal complaint at the Hinjawadi Police Station on Sunday (17th March).

As per the victim’s account, Ghosh, the founder of PIBS College, initiated reprehensible conduct towards her shortly after the commencement of her MBA Agri program in 2023. Around August 1, 2023, merely 10 to 12 days into the academic term, Ghosh subjected the victim to disgraceful behavior in front of the entire class during a session. Despite the distress caused, the victim remained silent, likely due to Ghosh’s authoritative position within the institution.

Ghosh continued his inappropriate behavior, including defaming the victim when she wore jeans to college and attempting to force himself on her and her friend a month later. When met with resistance, Ghosh resorted to unjustly penalizing them with low marks. Additionally, the victim reported that Ghosh resorted to manipulative tactics, including contacting her family to falsely portray her in a negative light. Hinjawadi Police are investigating this matter further.

In yet another concerning episode concerning PIBS Hinjawadi, approximately 30 MBA scholars from the Asma Institute of Management in Warje, under the affiliation of Savitribai Phule Pune University, find themselves entangled in a web of financial and academic misrepresentation. Pursuing their MBA in Agri-Business Management, these students were subjected to exorbitant fees amounting to ₹450,000 for a two-year program, in stark contrast to the mandated ₹130,000 set by the Fee Regulating Authority. Shockingly, official receipts issued by the college reflect only ₹65,000 annually. Furthermore, classes held at Hinjewadi in collaboration with the Pune Institute of Business Studies were conducted without adherence to legal protocols, leaving the students bereft of promised internships.