Lucknow Court Delivers Verdict in Fake Marksheet and Recruitment Scam
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Lucknow has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing Operation Conviction, with the successful prosecution of two individuals involved in a sophisticated fake marksheet and illegal recruitment case. This landmark ruling underscores the authorities' commitment to combating corruption and fraud within the education and employment sectors.
Court Sentences Accused to Imprisonment and Fines
In a decisive judgment, the Court of the Special Judge, Prevention of Corruption, CBI (Central), Lucknow, presided over by Judge Rabindra Kumar Dwivedi, convicted Ashok Kumar and Ranveer Singh, an employee of Agra University. Both defendants were sentenced to three years of simple imprisonment and ordered to pay a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh each. This verdict sends a strong message against the manipulation of academic credentials for personal gain.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme Uncovered
According to detailed prosecution records, Ashok Kumar, a resident of Agra, initially completed his BA examination in 1988 from Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, formerly known as Agra University. He achieved a score of 352 out of 800 marks, placing him in the third division. Subsequently, in 1992, he cleared his BEd examination from Vaishnav College in Agra, securing 482 out of 800 marks.
However, the investigation conducted by the Economic Offences Wing Special Investigation Team (EOW SIT) revealed a calculated scheme of deception. Ashok Kumar, in collusion with university employees Ranveer Singh and Shailendra Gupta, orchestrated the creation of forged BA and BEd marksheets. These fabricated documents were then utilized to fraudulently secure admission in 2007 to the Vishisht BTC course at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) in Agra.
Leveraging the illegally obtained Vishisht BTC degree, Ashok Kumar successfully obtained an appointment as an assistant teacher at a primary school located in Nagla Chakrapan, within the Agra district. The probe conclusively established that the accused intentionally manipulated academic records to gain government employment through dishonest means, undermining the integrity of public sector recruitment processes.
Robust Prosecution and Evidence Lead to Conviction
During the trial proceedings, senior prosecution officer Lal Sahab Singh played a pivotal role by effectively examining a total of 17 prosecution witnesses. Additionally, court liaison officer Sumit Yadav ensured the timely production of witnesses, facilitating a smooth judicial process. The court's decision to hold both Ashok Kumar and Ranveer Singh guilty was based on a comprehensive body of strong documentary and oral evidence presented during the hearings.
This case highlights the critical importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in preventing academic and employment fraud. The Economic Offences Wing's efforts in Operation Conviction demonstrate a proactive approach to upholding justice and maintaining public trust in educational and governmental institutions.
