Prayagraj | Cybercrime police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested an accused who was operating an illegal institution under the name of the State Open School (Rashtriya Mukt Vidyalaya Parishad) and issuing fake high school and intermediate marksheets and certificates through a website. The accused had even placed photos of the Chief Minister and Education Minister on the website to give the operation an appearance of legitimacy. Police are now working to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Deputy Director of the Correspondence Education Institute had lodged a complaint on 1 September 2024 at the cybercrime police station under sections including cheating and the IT Act, against Rajman Gond, a resident of Rwania police station area, Azamgarh, and other unidentified persons. The complaint was filed after it was discovered that the accused was issuing fake marksheets online under the pretext of an official educational institution.
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Investigations revealed that the accused was residing at Crystal Apartments, Chinhat, Lucknow. He was running the illegal institution under the State Open School’s name and distributing fake marksheets through websites www.upsosb.ac.in and www.upsosb.org.in. To disguise the operation, he had displayed government symbols and pictures of political leaders on the websites, creating a false impression of authenticity for visitors.
Cybercrime police apprehended Rajman Gond from Lucknow on Sunday. During interrogation, he admitted to issuing fake high school and intermediate certificates through his illegal institution and collecting money from several people in return. He also provided the names of some associates, who are now being tracked by police teams.
From the accused’s possession, police recovered two mobile phones, three SIM cards, and ₹1,500 in cash. Additionally, digital evidence was seized, confirming that he and his collaborators had been preparing fake educational documents online for an extended period.
Officials stated that this action is considered one of the most significant successes against online fraud and the creation of fake certificates in Uttar Pradesh. Cybercrime teams used digital forensics to track the activities of the accused and analyze digital data to identify his collaborators.
Experts noted that such syndicates exploit digital platforms to mislead the public and earn illicit gains. Cybercrime authorities emphasized that timely action and identification of all active members of such networks are critical to preventing related future crimes.
Police clarified that other active members of the syndicate remain at large. Teams across the state and other districts, along with the cyber cell, are working to apprehend them. Authorities are also compiling a list of individuals who used the fake documents, so they can face legal action.
Official sources said the crackdown sends a strong message not only to those producing fake certificates but also serves to alert students and parents that educational documents should only be obtained from government portals or recognized institutions.
Police have urged the public not to attempt to procure fake certificates or marksheets online and to report any such attempts immediately to cybercrime authorities.
This operation is seen as a strong example of enforcement against cybercrime and digital fraud in the state, with effective investigation, forensic analysis, and apprehension of the accused. Officials added that continuous monitoring and the use of digital technology are essential to achieving large-scale success in such cases.
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.
