Businessman duped of Rs 8 lakh for nursery seat

A businessman who wanted to secure admission for his son in a reputed school was cheated by a woman who promised him a seat in Springdales, Dhaula Kuan, police said.

A businessman who wanted to secure admission for his son in a reputed school was cheated by a woman who promised him a seat in Springdales, Dhaula Kuan, police said.

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The businessman, identified as Ajay Gupta, was allegedly cheated of Rs 8 lakh by one Diksha Suri, who convinced Gupta that she had good relations with the school principal, said a police officer.

Suri runs a play school in Greater Kailash-I.

"Gupta gave her Rs 8 lakh in cash in February. She assured him that his son's admission in Nursery in Springdales School (Dhaula Kuan) will be done by the first week of April. Suri, however, failed to keep her promise and Gupta lodged a criminal case against her when she refused to return him the money," said a police officer.

Jyoti Basu, principal of Springdales School Dhaula Kuan denied any links with Suri.

"I don't know this woman. She met me once in the school corridor and identified herself as my admirer, but that too when she made repeated requests over the phone to meet me. She wanted to invite me to her play school as a guest, but I never visited her school. There was no discussion on admissions," said Bose.

According to the senior officer, Gupta had met Suri through a common friend, RK Verma, and she had introduced herself as the owner of a play school.

"Since Gupta wanted to get his son's admission in a reputed school, Verma asked him to contact Suri, who demanded Rs 10 lakh and assured his son's admission in Springdales School. Their deal was finalised at Rs 8 lakh and Gupta gave her the money outside her play school on February. After taking the money, Suri stopped taking his calls and even refused to return the money. Gupta inquired about her and learnt that she has cheated some more people using the same trick," said the senior officer.

On the basis of Gupta's complaint, a case of cheating has been registered against Suri and efforts are being made to collect evidence that could help investigators nail Suri in the matter, added the officer.

When contacted, Gupta, refused to comment on the matter.