The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh has arrested one of the key accused in the Rs2.74-crore scholarship scam from the Hathras district that dates back to the 2009-10 academic session. Rajesh Kumar, also known as Rajiv Gupta, who served as the manager of Shri Krishna PG College in Hathras, was taken into custody by the EOW team in Etah on July 30.
The scam involved the misappropriation of scholarship funds intended for backward class students ranging from Class 8 to postgraduate levels. It is alleged that managers from 14 educational institutions colluded with several others to siphon off the funds illegally.
The case was initially registered against Rajesh Kumar at the Mursan police station in Hathras on March 8, 2011. Charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 467, 468, 471 (forgery-related offences), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 204 (destruction of evidence), along with the Prevention of Corruption Act, were filed.
Originally investigated at the district level, the case was escalated to the UP EOW by a government order dated April 24, 2014. Investigations revealed that 33 people were involved, including seven public servants and 26 private individuals. All have been charged under serious criminal and corruption-related offences.
Authorities continue to pursue 22 other accused who remain at large.
