The Special Task Force (STF) probing the fake degree racket at Monad University, Hapur, has discovered that a special desk operated within the university to validate forged degrees. According to STF sources, this internal desk received queries about degree authenticity—mostly from employers or government departments—and responded with fabricated verification reports affirming their legitimacy. These reports were then attached to the degrees, allowing job applicants to bypass scrutiny.
This systemic fraud made the verification process appear credible, enabling job aspirants with fake degrees to clear background checks without difficulty. The ease of obtaining such validation led to a surge in demand, with fake degrees being openly sold as a shortcut to employment.
Over Five Lakh Fake Degrees Printed Since 2017, STF Declares It Organised Crime
Preliminary forensic analysis of seized laptops and desktops revealed that more than five lakh fake degrees had been printed and sold since 2017. Although initial investigations confirmed one lakh fake degrees, the full extent is now believed to exceed five times that number. Alarmingly, the verification process was also manipulated, with at least 20,000 individuals having their forged degrees confirmed as valid.
STF officials have classified the case under organised crime. A room within the university was even set on fire recently in what authorities suspect was a deliberate attempt to destroy incriminating documents. Notably, the records of those fake degrees were conveniently marked as “burned” to prevent future verifications.
The scale and sophistication of this operation have prompted the STF to deploy two additional teams to investigate historical records and verify further leads. The investigation is now focusing on tracking fake degrees issued before 2020, which may add substantially to the already massive count.
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DM Ropes in Private Legal Experts to Strengthen Case Against University Owners
Taking the matter seriously, the Hapur District Magistrate has categorized the fake degree racket as a case of organised crime and has ordered swift legal action. To build an airtight case, the DM has appointed a team of experienced private advocates to support the STF in court.
A confidential strategy meeting has already been held involving STF officers, legal counsel, and administrative authorities. The goal is to ensure that evidence is presented in a structured and impactful manner, allowing the court to frame strong charges under relevant IPC sections and the UP Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.
The STF believes that the university’s management, especially those owning and operating the institution during the scam period, will be held directly accountable for this large-scale academic fraud. Investigations are ongoing to uncover all beneficiaries, distributors, and inside collaborators linked to this ₹500 crore forgery network.