In a detailed letter to Prime Minister Modi, Roli Khare emphasized the urgency of the situation. She has requested the Prime Minister to instruct Rajasthan’s Chief Minister to ensure swift justice, arrest the accused, and freeze the trust’s accounts to prevent further embezzlement
As Prime Minister Modi continues to encourage the Indian diaspora to support Bharat’s growth, this case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that must be overcome to ensure that foreign investments are protected and used for their intended purpose. Without decisive government action, scandals like this could hinder future contributions from NRIs and strain India’s efforts to foster stronger ties with its global diaspora, reported indiatoday.in.
An Indian-American lawyer has raised serious allegations of corruption against the Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine in Jaipur, Rajasthan, highlighting significant challenges that threaten to derail Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investments in India’s educational sector. Roli Khare, a U.S.-based immigration lawyer and daughter of Dr. Raj Khare, the college’s founder, has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention.
Additionally, she urged the appointment of an independent management committee to oversee the trust’s funds until legal proceedings conclude
The case surfaced amidst PM Modi’s recent visit to the United States, where he addressed the Indian diaspora in New York City, urging them to invest in India’s future. He emphasized empowering the youth and assured that such investments would be handled responsibly. However, the corruption scandal involving Apollo College casts doubt on these assurances and could undermine the efforts to attract NRI funds.
The Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, established in 2003 by Dr. Raj Khare, was envisioned as the first private veterinary institution in India, offering world-class education comparable to international standards. Dr. Khare, now 90 years old, was invited by the then-Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to invest in the state’s education sector. Since its founding, the public charitable trust overseeing the college has grown to a valuation exceeding Rs. 2000 crore.
However, recent developments have revealed a scandal involving Dulhe Ram Meena, a self-appointed trustee with no veterinary background. Meena allegedly embezzled over Rs. 35 crore from the college’s funds, fraudulently removing Dr. Khare from the trust’s documents. The misuse of funds has drawn scrutiny under the Rajasthan Public Trust Act, leading to an FIR being lodged by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Despite this, political interference and repeated transfers of investigating officers have stalled progress in the case.
The Khare family has provided substantial evidence, including check contributions and land deeds, which demonstrate financial irregularities. Despite these efforts, the ACB has yet to present its final report, raising concerns that the political connections of the accused are slowing the investigation. Dulhe Ram Meena has been implicated in past misappropriation scandals, including the closure of a charitable trust in Sawai Madhopur. He currently controls another institution, Astha Angels Academy in Jaipur, which reportedly receives funding through donations from Apollo College.
The Khare family’s primary concern is the broader impact of this scandal on future NRI investments, particularly from second-generation NRIs who may be dissuaded from contributing to India’s educational development due to fears of corruption. Dr. Khare remains committed to his vision of providing India’s youth with quality education, but the ongoing misuse of funds jeopardizes this dream.
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