New Delhi, divya rasthra. significant scam under the guise of mental health care has come to light involving a Noida-based company, Counsel India. The company misleads employees by forcing them to make fake sales and charges between ₹50,000 and ₹150,000 per client to meet targets. Despite its questionable practices, the company maintains a prominent market presence, using flashy advertisements and social media reels on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. However, after enrollment, they often delay, reschedule, or change course dates without prior notice. Many of their trainers are unprofessional or lack the necessary tools and qualifications to guide and teach effectively.
Internal sources have confirmed that Counsel India creates fake RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) trainers, misleading both national and international clients by falsely claiming they will be taught by RCI-certified trainers. An FIR was lodged against the company in May 2024, following an incident in Bareilly involving Mr. Shivam Dixit, a co-founder of the company. A woman had enrolled in a course and made an OTP transfer, only to find out that a loan had been sanctioned in her name without her knowledge. Counsel India had collected her personal identity details, such as her PAN and Aadhaar card, under the pretense of admission formalities, claiming the OTP was necessary for enrollment. The woman fought for over a year to recover her money but found the company’s fraudulent practices continued. In retaliation, Counsel India defamed her on social media by creating fake news and articles to tarnish her reputation. Dr. Meenakshi later exposed the truth on LinkedIn, leading to further harassment from Counsel India and fake accounts that posted personal attacks, with Mr. Shivam Dixit endorsing the behavior.
To retain students and clients, Counsel India shifted to “dream selling,” capturing the aspirations of clients and making promises that they fail to fulfill. When students raise concerns on social media, Counsel India retaliates through fake accounts, issuing threats, baseless legal notices, and trying to silence dissent.
Multiple complaints have been filed both online and offline, including police and cyber complaints and court cases. Yet, Counsel India’s fraudulent activities remain unchecked. The company operates from its Noida office, led by Shivam Dixit (Co-Founder), Bobby Thakur (Founder), and Megha Sood (EA to Directors). The courses they offer under the “Har Ghar Counsellor” brand have often caused setbacks for clients, leaving them more stressed and depressed than before. According to internal sources, the company has also failed to contribute to employee provident funds or settle final payments for many employees, resorting to threats and bullying to suppress complaints.
The company has also been found misrepresenting itself through fake accounts, impersonating other organizations, and using derogatory language to defend its reputation. For instance, Cognizavest, whose name was used in this manner, clarified that such fake accounts did not belong to them.
Counsel India falsely promises that their courses provide licenses and eligibility to open private practices or clinics, claiming their certificates are valid in G20 countries. However, when asked for legal proof, the company either avoids responding or changes its statements. They often threaten legal action for defamation when questioned or asked for refunds. This scheme has caused immense stress and harassment, impacted families, and led to threats from loan agents to ruin individuals’ credit scores if fees are not paid. Many families, students, and especially women who sought to start ventures have been exploited by this institution, facing financial, mental, and emotional distress, and prolonged legal battles.
