Pune: Kondhwa police have registered a case against the chairman, director, and principal of Orchid International School in Undri, managed by Ira Education Society, for operating without government approval and defrauding students and parents.

The complaint was lodged by Dnyandev Abaji Khoshe, an officer from the education department.

The individuals charged include J. D'Costa, the chairman from Bengaluru, director Sameer Gorde from Viman Nagar, and principal Anita Nair.

According to the complaint, the school commenced classes from first to tenth grade without meeting the necessary government regulations and approval.

Despite lacking official recognition, the school admitted students and collected educational fees from parents. They also retained students' certificates and academic documents, leading to allegations of fraud against the government, parents, and students. The investigation is being conducted by Police Sub-Inspector Patil.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation had initiated action against unauthorized schools in PCMC and filed first FIR against Orchid International School Chinchwad and Little Star English Medium School, for operating without proper authorization. In this FIR too, J D’Costa and Sameer Gorde were charged by Pimpri-Chinchwad Police.

Pune Education Department had announced the list of unauthorized schools in Pune, Pimpri, and surrounding areas and had listed 49 schools as operating without proper authorization.

The list included Orchid International School, (Chinchwad), Orchid International School, (Undri, Tal. Haveli), Saplings English Medium School (Chinchwad Nagar, Pune 33), Little Star English Medium School (Chinchwad Nagar, Pune 33), Periwinkle English Medium School (Pirangut, Tal. Mulshi), Podar International School (Tathawade, Taluka Mulshi), Elpro International School (Hinjewadi, Tal. Mulshi), Delhi Public School (Hinjewadi, Tal. Mulshi), and others.