In a significant crackdown on academic fraud, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police has dismantled a counterfeit marks card operation, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The suspects—Prashanth Gundumi, 41, from Dharwad; Monish K J, 36, from Bengaluru; and Rajashekhar H, 41, from Gadag—were apprehended for producing and distributing fake Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Pre-University Course (PUC) marks cards.
Unveiling the Fraudulent Scheme
The investigation commenced after a complaint revealed that a student received a PUC marks card merely days after enrolling at Mercury Academy Distance Education, operated by Monish in Bengaluru. This rapid issuance raised suspicions, prompting further scrutiny. Authorities discovered that the marks cards were fabricated under the name “Karnataka State Council of Intermediate and Higher Education,” a non-existent educational board.
Extent of the Counterfeit Operations
Further inquiries uncovered that the accused had issued over 350 fake marks cards, charging between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 per certificate. Alarmingly, some recipients used these fraudulent documents to secure government positions in departments such as transportation and child welfare, and even to obtain passports and other official identifications. The counterfeit certificates were produced in facilities located in Bengaluru and Dharwad.
Arrests and Seizures
The CCB’s swift action led to the arrest of Monish on the day the First Information Report (FIR) was filed. His interrogation revealed the involvement of Prashanth and another associate, Darshan alias Gopal Shedbalkar, who remains at large. Prashanth was subsequently arrested in Dharwad, where he operated the Sunrise Career Academy, a front for the fraudulent activities. Authorities seized his mobile phone, uncovering over 300 digital copies of fake marks cards. Rajashekhar, who worked on a commission basis, was also detained, with more than 50 counterfeit documents found on his device.
Implications and Warnings
This bust underscores the pervasive issue of academic fraud and its potential to undermine the integrity of educational and governmental institutions. The CCB has issued a public appeal, urging individuals to report any instances where such counterfeit marks cards have been used. They emphasize the importance of vigilance and due diligence in verifying academic credentials to prevent the erosion of trust in the system.
Conclusion
The dismantling of this fake marks card racket serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of academic fraud. It highlights the need for robust verification processes and the collective responsibility of society to uphold the sanctity of educational qualifications. The Bengaluru Police’s proactive measures in this case set a precedent for addressing similar fraudulent activities in the future.
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