Krunal Patel, one of the students, said that after seeing an advertisement in a local newspaper, they contacted one Harish Maradiya of Acetech Education. “He gave us admission in a diploma course, wherein we had to study for one semester in India and the rest three in Australia. He charged Rs 47,000 per semester,” said Patel, who completed his HSC from Panchsheel School.

When the course commenced at Sai Kruti Complex in Gotri, the students found that the education material was not up to mark. They also came to know that Maradiya was not affiliated as an authorised agent to Ahmedabad-based Vrunda Sharma as was advertised. “He had also ensured us that we would clear the entrance exams. When we could not qualify, we sought our money back, but he flatly refused to do anything,” said Patel.