Thane skill institute accused of defrauding students of ₹33.17 lakh in nursing course scam

Thane police have registered a case against officials of a Skill Institute for allegedly defrauding 23 students of ₹33.17 lakh under the pretext of offering a nursing course.

The institute, which operated near Thane Railway Station in 2021, shut down without issuing course certificates or returning students’ original documents.

The affected students, who discovered the course through social media after completing their 12th grade, filed a complaint at Naupada Police Station.

Charges have been filed against the institute’s owner and staff.

The nursing program was advertised as a three-year course leading to government certification and attracted many students. Each student paid substantial fees to enroll.

“During the admission process, the institute retained students' original 10th and 12th-grade certificates, mark sheets, and school leaving certificates. Students took exams for the course in May 2024 and were told the results would be released in December 2024,” the official said, quoting the complaint.

When no results were provided in December, students approached the institute, which then demanded an additional ₹20,000 for Maharashtra Nursing Council registration.

According to police, a few students deposited the amount into a bank account but still did not receive any certificates.

When students visited the institute's office to follow up, they found it locked. Attempts to contact the owners failed, as both had switched off their phones.

Realizing they had been duped, students reported the matter to Naupada Police Station. So far, 23 students have filed complaints, with the total fraud amounting to ₹33.17 lakh.

“We have launched probe into the case and all the other aspects including collecting the related documents is underway,” said a police officer.