RTI Extortion Scandal Unveiled in Gandhinagar: CID Takes Action Against 18 School Trustees for Illegally Obtaining 66 Lakhs
Alleged Threats and Intimidation by Trustee Lead to Criminal Complaint Against Educational Institutions in Gujarat
In a recent turn of events, Mahendra Nanubhai Patel, a trustee associated with Jay Ambe Vidhyabhavan in Surat, Gujarat, is facing legal action as the Gandhinagar Crime Branch has filed a criminal complaint against him, accusing him of extorting a significant amount from school principals through false RTI requests. Patel is alleged to have issued threats and warnings, resulting in a loss of Rs. 66 lakhs for the affected educational institutions.
Mahendra Patel, residing in Sector-7/D in Gandhi Nagar, has been managing the administration of high school institutions in 18 different cities across Gujarat, including Baroda, Bharuch, Rajpipala, Surat, Ankleshwar, Bardoli, Vyara, Navsari, Valsad, Dharampur, Bhilad, Vapi, and Chikhli under the banner of Jay Ambe Vidhyabhavan since 2008.
In 2012, Patel reportedly made threatening calls to the school officials, demanding the closure of their schools. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in adverse consequences for the schools, including the denial of admissions to students. The Gandhinagar Crime Branch has initiated legal proceedings against Patel in response to these allegations, marking a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the administration of these educational institutions.
Controversial Financial Demands and Alleged Extortion by Trustee in Gujarat Educational Institutions
Patel allegedly sought a considerable sum of money for the completion of document processing. The controversy dates back to 2012, continuing until 2014, when the Gujarat Secondary Education Board initiated actions to ensure the completion of the school’s documentation.
During this period, both Pravinbhai and Mahendra Patel were present, and after the filing of an RTI request, Mahendra Patel demanded money for document verification. The situation escalated, leading to a confrontation at the Gujarat Secondary Education Board’s office in Gandhinagar. Despite concerns raised by Pravinbhai to safeguard the future of students and teachers in the institution, Mahendra Patel reportedly insisted on a significant payment of 11 lakhs INR during a meeting at Sector-7/D.
The unfolding events suggest a complex financial dispute and allegations of extortion involving Mahendra Patel and the educational institutions under Jay Ambe Vidhyabhavan’s administration. The controversy underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the management of educational institutions in the region.
Persistent Intimidation Tactics and Extortion Allegations Against Maverick Mahendra Patel
Despite facing legal troubles and imprisonment threats, Mahendra Patel, a tenacious troublemaker associated with various educational institutions operating under the name of Jay Ambe Vidhyabhavan, has been accused of filing fraudulent RTI requests and demanding hefty sums of money across different districts. Notably, between 2015 and 2017, Patel managed to extract a total of 66 lakhs from Pravinbhai, resorting to threats and intimidation.
Mahendra Patel continued to harass Pravinbhai, persistently seeking additional financial demands. The situation escalated to the extent that Patel issued repeated threats, resulting in Pravinbhai facing prolonged periods of incarceration in jail. Subsequently, it came to light that Mahendra Patel has been involved in disruptive activities against various educational institutions in Gujarat.
In the latest development, Pravinbhai has lodged a formal complaint with the Crime Branch, alleging threats and filing a criminal case against Mahendra Patel. The case underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the accused’s actions, shedding light on the intimidation tactics and extortion schemes that have created unrest within Gujarat’s educational landscape.
