NIST in Crime Branch net

BHUBANESWAR: The Crime Branch has started inquiry against Brahmapur-based educational institution National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) for submitting false and fabricated approval letter before the Odisha High Court to increase its existing seats in two disciplines.

The Department of Technical Education and Training (DTET) in a letter to Additional Directorate General of Crime Branch had directed to lodge a case against the NIST for cheating and presenting a fabricated document to mislead the court.

It may be noted that the State Government had decided not to apply before the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for recommendation of increasing of seats or opening of new discipline in any professional or technical institute for the year 2012-2013. But the NIST challenged the State Government’s decision at the High Court.

The institution had presented a forged approval letter before the court requesting to allow them to increase seats in Mechanical and Electrical discipline. The court directed the institution to take students in the two disciplines through Odisha Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE).

Later the OJEE and DTET communicated with the AICTE and found that the institution had submitted the false document. The investigation is on in the matter.

“A case has been registered after getting complaint from the DTET. The investigation is on. It is a serious case,” said Crime Branch ADG Bijay Sharma.