Pune Woman Arrested At Mumbai Airport For ₹1.13 Crore MBBS Admission Fraud

A 32-year-old woman from Pune, Saumya Karan Bothara, was arrested at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on August 13 for allegedly cheating a Dubai-based Indian businesswoman of ₹1.13 crore. The woman had promised to secure her daughter's admission to an MBBS course at a medical college in Mumbai or Pune.

The case dates back to 2022 when the complainant, Hemlata Jagdish Joshi, was looking for an MBBS seat for her daughter. Joshi had known the Bothara couple since 2019 and had developed a close relationship with them. Karan Bothara, Saumya's husband, allegedly took advantage of this relationship and claimed that he had influential contacts in medical colleges in Mumbai and Pune.

He allegedly assured Joshi that he could arrange an MBBS admission for her daughter for ₹3.20 crore. Joshi handed over ₹1.13 crore in cash as an advance, but the promised admission never materialised. Despite repeated demands, the accused allegedly failed to return the advance amount.

The police registered an FIR under Sections 406, 420, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The accused couple was granted interim anticipatory bail by the Mumbai Sessions Court on June 26, 2025, but their anticipatory bail plea was later rejected by the Dindoshi Sessions Court on March 7, 2026, and the Bombay High Court on June 12.

Saumya Bothara was detained by immigration authorities at Mumbai airport on August 13 and was formally arrested by the Powai police. Her husband, Karan Dilip Bothara, remains on the run. The police are still searching for him.

The arrest is a significant development in the case, which highlights the issue of fake admission promises and the need for vigilance when dealing with such matters. The police have advised people to be cautious when approached by individuals or agencies promising admission to prestigious courses.

The case is currently under investigation, and the police are working to recover the amount cheated from the complainant. The arrest of Saumya Bothara is a step towards bringing the perpetrators to justice and providing relief to the victims of the alleged fraud.

The incident serves as a reminder to be aware of the risks involved in dealing with unverified individuals or agencies, especially when it comes to matters like education and admissions. It is essential to verify the credentials and authenticity of such individuals or agencies before making any financial transactions.

In conclusion, the arrest of Saumya Bothara is a significant development in the case, and the police are working to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident highlights the need for vigilance and awareness when dealing with matters like education and admissions.

The Mumbai police have been actively working to crack down on such fraudulent activities, and this arrest is a testament to their efforts. The police have advised people to come forward and report any such incidents, and they are working to create awareness about the risks involved in dealing with unverified individuals or agencies.

The case is a reminder that education and admissions are sensitive matters, and it is essential to approach them with caution and vigilance. The police are working to ensure that such fraudulent activities are curbed, and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The incident has also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and laws to prevent such fraudulent activities. The government and regulatory bodies are working to create a safer and more transparent environment for education and admissions.

In the end, the arrest of Saumya Bothara is a step towards justice, and the police are working to recover the amount cheated from the complainant. The incident serves as a reminder to be aware of the risks involved in dealing with unverified individuals or agencies and to approach such matters with caution and vigilance.