NEW DELHI, Jan. 26 -- The abrupt closure of FIITJEE centres across the country was not "its own decision", but a result of "overnight desertion by centre managing partners along with the entire team", the coaching institute that prepares JEE aspirants said on Saturday.

The institute alleged that it was a "victim of exploitation" by managing partners, which worsened its financial situation, and announced plans to pursue legal action against competitors for poaching its faculty.

"FIITJEE has not closed any centre as part of its own decision. Overnight desertion of the centre, by the centre managing partner, along with the entire team, is the only reason for this force majeure type of condition," the institute said in a statement.

"The pr...