Mumbai: Versova Woman Duped Of ₹45 Lakh By Nurse Offering MBBS Seat For Daughter; Accused Arrested

Mumbai: The Versova police arrested a 38-year-old nurse for allegedly duping a local woman of Rs 45 lakh under the pretext of securing an MBBS seat for her daughter through the management quota. The accused, Meghna Santosh Satpute, a resident of Andheri East, allegedly used forged documents and posed as part of a powerful syndicate linked to SSPM Medical College in Sindhudurg. Police believe she may have targeted other families using similar tactics.

According to reports quoting officials, the 51-year-old complainant, a medical assistant with over 25 years of residence in Versova, was desperate to get an MBBS seat for her 23-year-old daughter, who was already pursuing a BHMS degree in Bengaluru. The daughter had scored 315 in NEET 2020, and the mother was introduced to Satpute in early 2021. Satpute assured her she could arrange an MBBS seat through her contacts at the medical college in Kudal.

In March 2021, Satpute invited the complainant to her home, where she introduced her to two men, Nitesh Pawar and Rakesh Gawde Pawar, posing as college trustees. The trio demanded Rs 15 lakh for the seat under the management quota. Trusting them, the woman transferred the amount through RTGS and NEFT.

Soon after, citing COVID policy changes, the accused claimed the fees had increased to Rs 45 lakh. Wanting to secure her daughter’s future, the victim borrowed heavily from friends and relatives and ultimately paid Rs 38.65 lakh via bank transfer and another Rs 6.35 lakh in cash, reported Mid-day.

Fake Admission Letters Provided

To make the scam convincing, the accused gave her fake admission letters, forged merit lists, and official-looking documents with fabricated stamps and seals. They even warned her not to follow up too often, threatening admission cancellation and a 50 per cent deduction in refunds.

When no official communication came by the promised joining date in December 2021, the victim became suspicious. Her calls went unanswered and were later blocked. Upon contacting SSPM Medical College directly, she was informed that no admission had been granted.

She then approached Versova police, who registered a case of cheating, forgery and impersonation. Satpute was arrested and a manhunt is on for the remaining accused.