Allegations of Irregularities in ₹300-Crore Assets Spark Major Controversy at Prestigious Lucknow Educational Institution; Suspension Proposal Against Secretary Passed
Lucknow: A major controversy has erupted at the renowned Ram Bharose Maikoolal Higher Secondary School in Telibagh, Lucknow, following allegations of financial irregularities, misuse of institutional assets, and administrative lapses involving properties valued at nearly ₹300 crore.
The issues were discussed during a special meeting of the institution’s General Body held on the school premises. Of the 55 registered members, 28 attended the meeting, which was chaired by Divakar Sahu. Members deliberated on findings contained in an inquiry and audit report submitted under Section 24 and a communication issued by the Deputy Registrar, Firms, Societies and Chits, Lucknow Division, on May 22, 2026.
Questions Raised Over Use of ₹300-Crore Land Assets
According to information presented at the meeting, the institution owns approximately 30 to 32 acres of land with an estimated market value of around ₹300 crore. Members alleged that land originally designated for educational and agricultural purposes had been utilized for commercial activities, including shops, a hospital, advertising towers, and other ventures.
The report also referred to portions of agricultural land being leased for long durations ranging from 30 to 99 years, raising concerns about compliance with the institution’s founding objectives.
Alleged Violation of 1959 Agreement
The inquiry reportedly noted that the land was intended exclusively for educational and public welfare purposes. However, commercial leases were allegedly granted without obtaining the necessary government approvals. Concerns were also raised regarding the absence of competitive bidding, valuation reports, and approvals from the governing body in several transactions.
Land Transfer to Another Institution Under Scrutiny
The meeting further discussed the formation of a separate entity, Ram Bharose Maikoolal Mahavidyalaya, in 2018. It was alleged that a portion of the school’s agricultural land had been leased to the newly formed institution for 30 years. The inquiry report reportedly described the arrangement as a potential conflict-of-interest matter.
Financial Transparency Concerns
Members were informed that under one lease agreement, the school was expected to receive ₹1 crore. However, bank records allegedly indicated that ₹80 lakh was deposited into accounts linked to another institution, prompting concerns over possible diversion of funds and lack of financial transparency.
The report also cited a payment of ₹6.36 lakh for which supporting documentation was allegedly unavailable. Additionally, expenditures exceeding ₹1.05 crore were reportedly not backed by adequate bills, vouchers, contracts, or work completion records.
Questions were also raised regarding cash withdrawals totaling more than ₹34 lakh, with the report claiming that reliable records explaining their utilization were not available.
Concerns Over Fee and Rental Income
The inquiry reportedly highlighted irregularities in the accounting of fee collections from the intermediate college. In some financial years, both fee income and rental income were allegedly shown as nil despite the institution remaining operational and its assets continuing to be used. The report suggested the possibility of under-reporting income.
Further concerns were raised regarding donations amounting to approximately ₹70.50 lakh, whose sources were reportedly unclear, as well as construction expenditures worth ₹71.79 lakh that allegedly lacked adequate technical and administrative documentation. Salary-related records were also said to be incomplete.
Alleged Non-Cooperation During Inquiry
According to the report, several notices issued during the investigation allegedly went unanswered, and certain records were not produced before investigators. The report characterized this as a serious procedural irregularity.
Proposal to Suspend Secretary and Manager
Taking note of the findings, the General Body passed several resolutions aimed at safeguarding the institution’s assets and interests. Members unanimously approved a proposal recommending the immediate suspension of Shrikant Sahu from the positions of Secretary and Manager, citing the allegations mentioned in the inquiry report.
As an interim arrangement, Ram Babu Rastogi was nominated as Minister of the institution, while Ram Kumar Singh was appointed Manager and Secretary of the School Management Committee.
Asset Protection Committee to Be Formed
The General Body also resolved to establish an Asset Protection Committee to monitor institutional properties, bank accounts, financial records, and revenue sources. Divakar Sahu was authorized to handle legal and administrative correspondence on behalf of the institution.
Ban on New Transfers and Leases
The meeting further resolved that, until directed otherwise by a competent court or authority, no new transfer, sale, lease, encumbrance, or financial obligation involving the institution’s land, buildings, agricultural farms, bank accounts, or other assets would be undertaken.
Members emphasized that the objective of the resolutions was not to interfere with any judicial process but to ensure the protection of public trust properties and safeguard the interests of students, teachers, employees, and other stakeholders associated with the institution.
