The ongoing investigation into a fake degree racket linked to private universities has uncovered 11 more invalid certificates. Authorities confirmed that Glocal University in Saharanpur has denied issuing the recovered documents. With the latest findings, the total number of fake certificates detected in the probe has reached 125. A suspect has been taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for interrogation.
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Wider Network Exposed in Fake Certificate Racket
According to investigators, a wider network involved in manufacturing and circulating fake academic certificates is gradually being exposed. Earlier, search operations were conducted at Lyngya University in Faridabad, Monad University in Hapur, Manglayatan University in Aligarh and JS University in Firozabad. During these raids, several recovered certificates were found to have no matching records in the official university databases.
Glocal University Certificates Declared Fake
Following the response received from Glocal University, the 11 certificates were formally declared fake. University authorities clarified that no such certificates were issued from their institution. The investigation team is now focusing on determining how the fabrication network operated and who was responsible for producing the forged academic records.
Agent Arrested; Links to Mastermind Shailendra
SIT officials have indicated that activities were also being conducted at the agent level. The detained individual is alleged to have facilitated certificate preparation by collecting commission payments. However, investigators stated that there is currently no concrete evidence directly linking him to the core conspiracy. During questioning, he reportedly admitted to arranging a few certificates through intermediaries.
Sources suggest that the agent allegedly worked through a person identified as Shailendra, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the network. Police are trying to determine Shailendra’s exact role in the operation and whether he was involved in supplying fake academic certificates to multiple individuals seeking employment or academic benefits.
Ongoing Probes and Future Raids
Earlier searches had recovered 100 certificates linked to Lyngya University and three certificates associated with Monad University. Additionally, 11 suspicious certificates were seized from JS University, which have now been officially declared fake. Verification of documents related to Manglayatan University is still continuing as part of the expanded investigation.
Officials stated that the fake degree network may have been used to secure jobs and manipulate competitive examinations. To trace the financial and operational structure of the racket, investigators are analysing mobile call detail records, bank transactions and digital document trails. Authorities believe multiple layers of transactions may have been created to avoid detection.
The Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime and Headquarters) stated that strict legal action will be taken against all individuals found involved after completion of the investigation. Law enforcement agencies are aiming to identify every person connected with the racket and dismantle the network completely.
The SIT continues to conduct detailed investigation into the matter. Officials have also hinted that further raids and interrogation may lead to the discovery of more fake academic certificates. Authorities believe the network may be much larger than what has been uncovered so far, and additional suspects could be identified in the coming days.
For now, the probe remains active as investigators work to uncover the complete structure of the suspected fake degree distribution racket.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
