22 June,2026 11:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Ganesh Bharyawala (extreme left), founder and principal of Achinvas Learning Campus, at a school event
The death of a 44-year-old school principal, days after his institution was named in a police case, has triggered fresh scrutiny of the ongoing crackdown on allegedly unauthorised schools in Malwani.
Ganesh Bharyawala, founder and principal of Achinvas Learning Campus, died of a heart attack on June 20, two days after an FIR was registered against his school as part of action taken against 14 institutions in the area.
His family has alleged that the FIR and subsequent developments left him under severe emotional stress in the days leading up to his death.
>> June 18: FIR registered against 14 schools in Malvani
>> June 20: Ganesh Bharyawala suffers a fatal heart attack
>> Family alleges he was under severe mental stress after the FIR
>> No official agency has linked the FIR to his death
Speaking to mid-day, Bharyawala's wife, Sheetal, said her husband underwent a significant change after learning about the FIR.
Ganesh Bharyawala, founder and principal of Achinvas Learning Campus, during a school function. Bharyawala died of a heart attack on June 20, days after his school was named in an FIR as part of action against 14 institutions in Malwani. Pics/By Special Arrangement
"Following the registration of the FIR, our family witnessed a significant change in his mental and emotional condition. He was under severe stress, anxiety and emotional distress due to the allegations and circumstances arising from the case," said Sheetal Bharyawala.
She said the family witnessed visible signs of anguish and requested authorities to consider the impact of the emotional distress he experienced in the days before his death.
"The intense emotional strain and psychological pressure he experienced in the days immediately preceding his death had a profound impact on his health and well-being," said Sheetal.
The FIR against Achinvas Learning Campus was part of a wider action initiated after authorities identified schools allegedly operating without mandatory approvals.
>> 164 schools flagged as unauthorised across Mumbai
>> 14 schools booked in Malwani
>> FIR registered on June 18
>> One of the schools named: Achinvas Learning Campus
According to police sources, the action followed a review of schools allegedly operating without mandatory approvals and infrastructure requirements prescribed under education rules.
The FIR was registered following a complaint by the BMC's Private Primary School Department.
Several school operators named in the FIR have disputed the allegations and claim they had been functioning while pursuing recognition through official channels.
Among the concerns raised:
>> Schools claim recognition applications were pending
>> Some operators say they had submitted documents repeatedly
>> Others question why schools were assigned election and government duties if they were considered illegal
The FIR names 14 institutions, including Little World English School, Father Abraham English School, Little Wonders School, Rose Mary English School, Zeel English School, Dayasagar English High School, Cosmos English School, Sadhana High School, SM English School, MH English School, Crescent English School, Indian Glory English School, Happy Valley English School and Achinvas Learning Campus.
