Kanpur: Police have uncovered an alleged racket involved in selling fake marksheets and degree certificates across several states and arrested its alleged kingpin, Akhilesh Shukla. During interrogation, Shukla reportedly told police that his network prepared and supplied forged educational documents ranging from BA and BCom to MBA and MTech degrees. Investigators are now trying to determine how many people obtained such documents from the racket and whether they were used for jobs, admissions or other official purposes.
The investigation has brought the names of several universities whose credentials were allegedly used to prepare fake marksheets and degrees. These reportedly include Himalayan Garhwal University, FS University, JES University, YBN University, Global University, Preeti Global University, Sikkim Alpine University, Sikkim Global University, ISBN University, Neelam University and Major SD University. Police are verifying the documents and investigating whether the institutions had any connection with the alleged racket.
Office Set Up Near Kanpur University
According to police, Shukla had worked for some time as a contractual clerk at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in 2010. Investigators suspect that his familiarity with university-related documentation and procedures may have later helped him establish the alleged forgery network.
Police allege that in 2021, Shukla rented an office in a building near Kanpur University and began preparing fake marksheets and degree certificates. Over time, he allegedly developed a network through which documents bearing the names of different universities and academic programmes were supplied to customers.
Investigators are now examining how the documents were prepared, who assisted Shukla and how the alleged forged certificates were delivered to customers in different locations.
Two Associates Arrested Earlier
Police had arrested Shukla’s alleged associates Amit Kumar and Gopal on July 2. According to investigators, 59 fake marksheets and degree certificates were recovered from them. Their arrests subsequently led police to focus on Shukla as the alleged main operator of the network.
According to the Cyber Police, officers reached Shukla’s residence two days after the arrests. Police allegedly found additional fake degrees and marksheets there. During the police presence, Shukla’s wife allegedly set some of the documents on fire.
Investigators are treating the incident as a possible attempt to destroy evidence and are examining whether additional forged documents or other evidence were stored at the residence or elsewhere.
Competitive Exam Institutes Allegedly Used to Find Customers
The investigation has also revealed the alleged method used to identify potential customers. Police said Shukla operated two institutes in Unnao and Lucknow under the names ‘DDS Foundation’ and ‘Utkarsh Academy’.
A significant number of students preparing for competitive examinations reportedly attended these institutes. Police suspect that Shukla used these establishments to identify people who might be interested in obtaining educational documents.
According to the allegations, potential customers were subsequently offered fake marksheets and degree certificates in exchange for substantial amounts of money. Investigators are examining the records, contacts and students associated with both institutes to determine whether they were directly involved in the alleged racket or were simply used as a means of identifying customers.
Possible Supply to Lawyers Under Investigation
Police are also investigating whether the alleged racket supplied forged degrees and marksheets to people working in different professions. One of the key lines of inquiry is whether some lawyers were also provided with fake academic documents.
Investigators are examining the accused persons’ mobile phones, contact lists, digital records and financial transactions to identify customers and other members of the alleged network. The police are also attempting to establish the flow of money received from customers and identify the ultimate beneficiaries.
The investigation is now focused on determining the full extent of the alleged racket, the process used to prepare forged educational documents, the number of customers involved and the purposes for which the certificates were allegedly used. Police said further action would be taken against other accused persons or customers if their involvement emerges during the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
