MORADABAD, India — What began as whispers in small coaching centers and computer institutes has now unraveled into one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest education scams in recent memory. Police say a vast syndicate has been running across 21 cities, producing and selling forged marksheets and degrees, extracting millions of rupees from unsuspecting students and their families.
Investigators describe a carefully constructed network. Local institute operators promised students legitimate diplomas and technical certifications, often invoking the names of recognized universities. In return, they charged anywhere from tens of thousands to several lakhs of rupees. The documents, glossy and convincing, were ultimately worthless.
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A Local Arrest, a Larger Trail
The case came to light after the arrest of Amresh Mani, who ran a small institute in Hardoi district. Police allege he collected hefty sums from students in exchange for fake certificates. During interrogation, Mr. Mani is said to have named a wide array of collaborators from chartered accountants to school principals and cybercafé operators — suggesting the scam’s reach extended far beyond a single town.
Broken Promises for Students
For the victims, the fallout is devastating.
“We were told the degree would be valid and would help us secure jobs,” one student said. “Now we have lost both our money and our future.”
Parents, too, are asking how such a racket operated for years without detection. Many point to systemic failures in education oversight and demand accountability from state authorities.
Expert Warnings
Professor Triveni Singh, a noted cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, called the scandal more than a local fraud.
“This is not just about forged paper,” he said.
“These networks are now sophisticated, operating with digital forgery, online manipulation and in some cases using the dark web. They don’t just ruin students’ lives; they corrode the credibility of the education system itself. Breaking such syndicates requires not only police crackdowns but also strong cyber intelligence and regulatory oversight.”
A Widening Investigation
Police say evidence points to the racket’s presence in at least 21 districts, with cities such as Moradabad, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Meerut serving as key hubs. Investigators believe the syndicate exploited the names of well-known private universities to lend credibility to its operations.
Authorities have promised strict action and say the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) will conduct a deeper probe. But critics warn that unless systemic gaps are addressed, such frauds will reemerge.
A Symptom of Larger Pressures
Education experts argue the scandal reflects more than criminal ingenuity; it exposes the social pressures driving families to seek shortcuts. In a state where unemployment is high and competition for jobs is fierce, the promise of a quick degree — however dubious can be irresistible.
The case has once again raised an uncomfortable question: Will the response be limited to arrests and raids, or can it spark real reforms to protect students and restore faith in the education system?