Investigators probing the alleged fake degree scandal involving Monad University have found claims that the institution operated an internal verification mechanism that allegedly certified questionable academic credentials as genuine. The inquiry, being conducted by a committee headed by Chief Development Officer Shruti Sharma, is examining complaints related to degrees used for government and private employment.
Verification Process Under Scrutiny
According to officials associated with the probe, a dedicated internal desk was allegedly used to respond to degree-verification requests received from employers, government departments and other institutions. Investigators claim that degrees issued by the university were allegedly confirmed as genuine even in cases where supporting records of admission, attendance or examinations could not be traced.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
The inquiry gained pace after complaints emerged from multiple government departments about employees who had secured jobs using degrees issued by the university. During the investigation, authorities reportedly found instances where individuals were employed on the basis of qualifications that lacked matching academic records.
One complaint was reportedly submitted by Narendra Singh, husband of a district panchayat chairperson from Palwal in Haryana. He informed investigators that several contractual employees working in local government offices possessed degrees issued by the university. Verification inquiries allegedly showed that many of those degrees had been authenticated by the university despite the absence of corresponding records.
Jobs and Degrees Across Departments
Officials involved in the investigation claim that dozens of individuals employed across various departments in Palwal are now under scrutiny. Authorities are examining whether the alleged irregularities were limited to one district or formed part of a wider network of beneficiaries.
Investigators also suspect that the alleged operation may have extended beyond undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Preliminary findings have raised concerns about the possible large-scale issuance of doctoral degrees, and officials are checking whether PhD credentials were issued without adherence to prescribed academic procedures.
Another part of the inquiry concerns allegations that the university helped degree holders secure employment. Authorities are looking into claims that placement agencies, including firms operating from Gurugram, may have facilitated jobs for candidates holding the questioned qualifications in India, multinational companies and overseas organisations.
Missing Records and Fire Claim Examined
According to officials, the alleged scheme depended heavily on the credibility of the verification process. Employers conducting background checks reportedly received confirmations that submitted degrees were valid, making it difficult for the credentials to be challenged.
Investigators claim the questioned documents closely resembled genuine academic certificates in paper quality, printing standards and formatting. The inquiry is also examining reports that the university had earlier claimed portions of its record room were damaged in a fire.
Officials are checking whether the fire claim was used to explain missing academic records and whether any such claim was backed by documentary evidence. Sources associated with the investigation allege that organisations seeking historical records were sometimes told documents had been destroyed in a fire, even as the validity of degrees continued to be affirmed.
Chief Development Officer Shruti Sharma said the investigation remains at an early stage and officials are conducting a detailed examination of available records. She said evidence and complaints submitted by various individuals are being included in the inquiry, and further action will depend on the findings.
