Bogus Standard X certificates: 2 more fake university websites unearthed in Maharashtra

Officials from the city crime branch are investigating a bogus certificate racket and have revealed that the main suspect has admitted to creating two more fake university websites for issuing graduation certificates. The websites were reportedly named Al Hind University and Maharashtra Rajya Mukta Vishwavidyalaya in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad).

Last week, the police arrested four individuals from Sangli, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Osmanabad for their involvement in selling fake standard X certificates to unsuccessful students through a fake website called Maharashtra State Open School (MSOS). Imran Sayyed, an MBA and IT graduate from Sambhajinagar, was identified as the primary suspect.

Imran and his three accomplices were brought before a city court on Monday after their initial custodial remand. Imran’s remand was extended until May 13, while his accomplices were sent to jail for 14 days under magisterial custody.

Assistant commissioner of police (crime II), Narayan Shirgaonkar, who is leading the investigation, stated that an examination of Imran’s laptop revealed that he had issued graduation certificates to over 200 individuals since 2022. Imran, who hails from a well-off family and has an MBA and IT degrees, learned how to create fake websites from an online video sharing and social media platform. He also received help from someone with web design knowledge.

Shirgaonkar further explained that Imran’s motive was to establish a fake secondary and higher education board.