Conman arrested for duping parents over admissions in top Mumbai schools

A 27-year-old conman has been arrested for duping several parents including celebrity couple Renuka Shahane and Ashutosh Rana -- on the pretext of granting admissions to their kids in Jamnabai Narsee School in Vile Parle (West) and Utpal Shanghvi School in Juhu. Both the schools are considered to be among the best in the western suburbs. Identified as Mehfuz Jackey Ahmed Shaikh, the conman was arrested by Unit VIII of the Mumbai Crime Branch from Western Railway Colony, Kherwadi, Bandra (East).

Jamnabai Narsee School authorities had lodged complaints when they found out about the fraud being carried out by Mehfuz Jackey Ahmed Shaikh. File pic

"The accused was always on the lookout for people who wanted to get their children admitted in the schools. He would demand Rs 5 lakh to secure the admission," said Deepak Phatangare, senior police inspector of Unit VIII, MCB. Shaikh had contacted Renuka Shahane and offered to get her son -- who currently studies in Billabong High International School -- admitted in Jamnabai Narsee School. The police found several documents, including admission forms of Jamnabai Narsee School, photos of students who sought admissions, birth certificates, ration cards and Aadhaar cards from his residence.

The accused would promise admission through management quota and demand Rs 5 lakh. He would take an advance of Rs 1.5 lakh with the necessary documents. The schools also lodged complaints when they found out about the con, follwoing Renuka Shahane's complaint. "He is a resident of Behrampada in Bandra (East) and has cheated 20 parents by promising them admission for their kids in Utpal Shanghvi School," said Prafful Bhosale, assistant commissioner of police, Crime Branch.

He would dress well and manage to convince parents of his contacts in the schools. However, after taking the money, he would stop answering their calls. "Usually parents panic during the time of admissions, and everyone wants good schools for their children. Taking advantage of the situation, Shaikh would stand outside schools and con the parents," Patangare added.