In a major crackdown on academic fraud, Bengaluru police have busted a fake marks card racket that was issuing certificates under the name of a non-existent education board. Three individuals have been arrested for their involvement in this scam, which targeted students and job seekers looking for quick academic credentials.
The Fraudulent Operation
The racket operated by creating and distributing fake marks sheets in the name of a non-existent board—Karnataka State Council of Intermediate and Higher Education. The police investigation revealed that the accused issued forged SSLC (10th grade) and PUC (12th grade) marks cards to hundreds of individuals, charging between ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per document.
The fraudulent certificates were used by many recipients to apply for higher education, government jobs, and even passports. Investigations suggest that some individuals managed to secure employment in government sectors such as transportation and child welfare using these fake documents.
How the Racket Was Busted
The scam was exposed after a complaint was filed against Mercury Academy Distance Education, an institution that promised quick certifications. One student reportedly received a PUC certificate just days after enrollment, raising suspicions. Upon further investigation, police uncovered the involvement of multiple individuals and tracked down the racket’s operations in Bengaluru and Dharwad.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested three key individuals:
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Prashanth Gundumi (41), from Dharwad, who was responsible for producing the forged certificates.
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Monish K J (36), from Bengaluru, who ran the fraudulent Mercury Academy Distance Education.
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Rajashekhar H (41), from Gadag, who acted as a middleman in the operation.
Another suspect, identified as Darshan alias Gopal Shedbalkar, remains at large.
Seizures and Evidence
During the raids, police confiscated hundreds of fake certificates, laptops, printers, and rubber stamps used to create the fraudulent documents. Digital evidence found on mobile phones revealed that the racket had issued over 350 fake certificates, many of which were used to secure jobs and official documentation.
Legal Consequences and Warnings
The arrested individuals have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to cheating, forgery, and fraud. Authorities have urged educational institutions and employers to verify academic credentials thoroughly before granting admissions or employment to applicants.
The Bengaluru Police have also appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities related to fake certificates and warned students against falling prey to fraudulent institutions offering “quick” academic qualifications.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the growing problem of academic fraud in India and the risks it poses to the integrity of the education system. Bengaluru police have set a strong example by taking swift action against such malpractices. However, stricter regulations, increased verification processes, and greater awareness among students and employers are necessary to prevent similar scams in the future.
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Author: IBC Global Times
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