Mumbai Architecture College Faces Police Complaint Over Alleged Academic Fraud
Students from multiple batches at Dr Baliram Hiray College of Architecture in Bandra, Mumbai, have filed formal complaints with Bandra police, alleging serious academic misconduct by college authorities. The complaints detail a pattern of institutional misrepresentation, economic offenses, discrepancies in academic records, lack of transparency, and mental harassment affecting students enrolled in the BSc/BVov (Interior Design) program.
Five Batches Affected Since 2021-22 Admissions
The issue spans five student batches beginning with the 2021-22 academic year. According to the complaints, the first batch of students was initially informed that their course was affiliated with Sangai University in Manipur. However, this university was derecognized in 2024—a fact students claim they were never made aware of. Despite this, they proceeded to complete their final year examinations in 2025.
Degree Delays and University Switches
Following their completion, students faced prolonged delays in receiving their marksheets and degrees. The situation took another troubling turn last month when college authorities informed them that their degrees would now be granted by Sikkim International University. Students quickly discovered that this institution was also listed as a defaulter by the University Grants Commission (UGC), raising further concerns about the validity of their qualifications.
Despite repeated requests from affected students, the college failed to provide any verifiable proof of affiliation with either university, leaving them in academic limbo with uncertain professional futures.
Incorrect Marksheets Finally Issued
On March 14, after extensive waiting, the first batch of students finally received their marksheets—but with alarming discrepancies. The documents contained incorrect details, shuffled marks, and notably omitted key subjects including dissertation work. College officials reportedly justified these omissions by claiming the university doesn't offer those subjects, despite students having completed the coursework.
When contacted by media for comment, college officials did not respond to inquiries, adding to the atmosphere of non-transparency that students have described in their complaints.
Broader Implications for Student Trust
This case highlights significant vulnerabilities in the higher education system where students invest substantial time and financial resources based on institutional representations. The allegations of economic offenses suggest possible financial exploitation alongside the academic fraud claims. The mental harassment component indicates the emotional toll on students who have spent years working toward qualifications that may now be compromised.
The Bandra police are currently investigating the complaints, which could have implications for educational regulation and student protection mechanisms in professional degree programs across the region.
