Sikkim Government Intervenes as Siliguri Nursing Institute Defrauds Hill Students; Three Arrested

KalimNews, February 10, 2026, Siliguri: A major fraud involving a private paramedical and nursing institute in Siliguri has come under the spotlight after students from Sikkim and West Bengal, particularly from the hill regions, protested against the alleged deceit. Hundreds of students have gathered since Saturday to demand justice after being misled into enrolling in unrecognized courses, putting their academic and professional futures at risk.

The incident reportedly began when the Asha Paramedical and Nursing Institute of Salbari, inaugurated in 2025, collected around Rs 1.30 lakh from each student with the promise of four-year nursing degrees. By the end of January 2026, the institute allegedly changed its name overnight to a Vocational Training Centre and began issuing six-month vocational certificates, invalid for professional job placements. Approximately 300 students from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Assam, and Sikkim were enrolled, many of whom paid substantial fees and were left shocked by the sudden downgrade in promised education quality.

Following several hours of student protests on Saturday, Pradhannagar Police arrested three people associated with the institute, including two women. The arrested individuals were identified as Karuna Roy (21) of Bhanunagar, Siliguri; Shaibal Khawas (24) of Kurseong; and Srijana Khatri (27) of Sukhia Pokhri. The main accused remains absconding, and a search operation is underway. Rakesh Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police, stated: “All the accused were produced at Court. Further investigation is underway.”

In response to the growing unrest, a high-level delegation from the Sikkim Government visited Siliguri on Monday under the instructions of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay to assess the situation and intervene on behalf of the affected students. The delegation comprised Sonam Choppel Sherpa, Chairman of the Sikkim Students Welfare Board; Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Additional Political Secretary to the Chief Minister; Ujwal Rai, Special Secretary, Education Department; and Sharmista Pradhan, Additional Secretary, Home (Protocol).

The Sikkim officials met with Siliguri Metropolitan Police Commissioner C. Sudhakar to highlight the severe academic setbacks, financial losses, and emotional distress suffered by the students. The delegation urged swift and stringent legal action against all those involved and emphasised the urgent need to secure justice for the victims and provide relief to their families.

Commissioner C. Sudhakar assured full cooperation, stating: “Three accused have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Efforts are underway to apprehend the prime accused and other suspects. A special team has been formed for further investigation. The investigation is being conducted on a priority basis.”

Local leaders, including Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and the Sikkim Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, have called for the immediate cancellation of the institute’s registration and full refunds for affected students. The Chief Minister of Sikkim expressed concern, stating that his government was “deeply concerned about the issues faced by our students.” CM Prem Singh Tamang acted promptly after receiving information through social media on Sunday evening, taking cognisance of the matter and directing officials to ensure speedy redressal.

This case has also triggered a broader crackdown on training institute scams, with authorities investigating other alleged frauds in Siliguri. The arrests and Sikkim government intervention underscore a commitment to protecting students’ rights and preventing similar incidents in the future.