BJP leader Kirit Somaiya protests police action against duped aviation students in Thane; over 20 lured with airport jobs

THANE: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya and Thane MP Naresh Mhaske visited Naupada police station on Wednesday to protest against FIRs filed against students of a private aviation institute. The students had earlier staged a protest in June, alleging fraud by the institute’s management.The controversy involves over 20 students from Mumbai and Thane, who were allegedly cheated by a bogus aviation training institute. Students were charged between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1 lakh with promises of airport jobs as ground staff or cabin crew, offering salaries ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per month.However, according to the FIR, the students claimed they received only theoretical training, with no job placements or refunds.Following the complaints, police registered a case against three persons for cheating, breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy. An 18-year-old woman is among the complainants.In retaliation, one of the accused filed a counter-FIR, accusing former BJP corporator Sanjay Waghule and 36 others, including students, of assault during a protest held earlier this week.Somaiya and Mhaske condemned the counter-action and demanded its withdrawal, urging strict action against the institute's operators.“The real culprits must face action, not the victims. The erring cops should also face action,” Somaiya said.