RTE Scam in Pune: 18 Parents Accused of Faking Addresses for School Admissions
Bavdhan, 11th March 2025: In a significant move to curb fraudulent practices under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police have registered cases against 18 parents in Pune for providing false information to secure school admissions for their children.
The Maharashtra Education Department initiated this action after discovering discrepancies during a thorough screening process conducted between January and October 2024 in the Matalwadi Bhugaon area near Bavdhan.
The accused parents allegedly submitted fake residential proofs to avail of RTE benefits, which prioritize admissions for children residing closest to the school.
According to Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Chairman Sharad Gosavi, the admissions of these students were cancelled last year, and the Education Department had ordered action against the parents. It was found that the parents did not reside at the addresses provided in the rental agreements, which were allegedly obtained in collusion with property owners to exploit the system.
The police are currently investigating the matter further at the Bavdhan Police Station. The accused include Sachin Bhosale, Khandu Biradar, Ramkrishna Chondhe, Sumit Ingawale, Vijay Jozare, Mangesh Kalbhor, Rohidas Kondhalkar, Shridhar Nagure, Babasaheb Randhe, Vilas Salunkhe, Ganesh Sangale, Rupesh Sawant, Digambar Sawant, Chandan Shelar, Kumbharam Sutar, Mangesh Gurav, Vivek Jori, and Umesh Shedge. The Education Department has warned parents against such malpractices, threatening stricter action this year if necessary.
