RTE school admission fraud 13,048-page chargesheet filed against Sharif gang

 

 

Sadar Police have filed a massive 13,048-page chargesheet in the court against fraudster Shahid Sharif’s gang members who are accused of cheating the Government under the Right to Education (RTE) scheme. The gang, led by absconding mastermind Shahid Sharif, is accused of using fake documents to get children from wealthy families admitted to private schools under the RTE quota, which is meant for underprivileged children. The chargesheet names nine accused: Prashant Hedau, Rajesh Buwade, Raja Jamshed Sharif, Rupali Dhamagaye alias Ruksar Syed, Rohit Pille, Shubham Bute, Anil Meshram, Mangesh Zhoting, and Pradeep Bhange. The accused were allegedly involved in creating and submitting false documents such as fake residence certificates to secure admissions. The fraud came to light after parents submitted documents to the Group Resource Centre at the Panchayat Samiti in Nagpur, as required under the RTE admission process.

 

According to a Government order dated January 20, 2023, these documents had to be verified by the Taluka Verification Committee. During verification, officials discovered that Prashant Hedau submitted a fake residence certificate for admission to Poddar School in Vela Hari, and Rajesh Buwade used forged documents for Royal Gondwana Public School under application number 23NG039949. Both admissions were immediately cancelled. Based on a complaint from Group Education Officer Kawdu Durge, the Sadar Police registered a case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Sr Police Inspector Manish Thakre was formed to investigate. The team collected strong documentary and technical evidence, which was compiled into the 13,048-page chargesheet to ensure that all the accused are brought to justice. The alleged mastermind, Shahid Sharif, an RTE activist, has been missing since the case was registered. A lookout notice has been issued against him.

 

 

The high-tech Nagpur Police miserably failed to arrest prime accused Shaheed Sharif who is absconding for the past one year. The police have uncovered more serious offences linked to Shahid Sharif and his brother Raja Jamshed Sharif. It was found that the two had stored illegal weapons at their residence. Two separate cases were registered against them under the Arms Act at Gittikhadan Police Station. Additionally, a case of child sexual abuse was registered against one of the accused during the investigation. Police also found disturbing evidence on Raja Sharif’s mobile phone related to illegal hunting of wild animals in Madhya Pradesh. Raja and his associates were reportedly involved in poaching activities in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. Based on this, a case was registered under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act in Mohkama forest, Jabalpur. His car was also seized, and during the forensic investigation, officials found empty bullet shells, wild animal hair, and fish remains, confirming illegal hunting. Raja Jamshed Sharif is currently lodged in Jabalpur jail, while the search for Shahid Sharif continues.