Rajasthan Police SOG Investigates 67 Suspected Fake BPED Degrees from MP University
The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) has intensified its investigation into a major academic fraud case involving Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) degrees and certificates issued by a private university in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. The probe, which entered its third day on Friday, has uncovered alarming discrepancies in the credentials submitted by candidates for physical training instructor (PTI) positions in Rajasthan.
Widespread Fraud Suspected in 2022 PTI Recruitment
SOG officials revealed that at least 67 candidates selected as physical training instructors through a 2022 examination submitted degrees from the Sehore-based university. Investigators suspect these degrees were fraudulently obtained, noting significant inconsistencies between the educational details provided in application forms and the certificates submitted during document verification.
"There are major discrepancies in how the degrees were issued," said an investigating official. "In one case, a candidate cited a Rajasthan college in his application but produced a Madhya Pradesh university degree during verification." The official added that all 67 candidates claimed to have completed the same course from the same university, raising serious questions about the authenticity of their qualifications.
SOG Launches Extensive Search Operations in Madhya Pradesh
The investigation escalated when SOG teams sought academic records from the university management but received no cooperation despite multiple notices. This prompted the execution of search warrants issued by a Jaipur court, leading to coordinated operations across multiple locations in Madhya Pradesh.
A substantial 40-member SOG team, including three additional superintendents of police, three deputy superintendents, and three inspector-rank officers, traveled to Bhopal and Sehore with proper legal authorization. The team collaborated with local police in both cities to conduct thorough searches.
"Since Wednesday, the SOG teams are camping in Madhya Pradesh and have seized a trove of documents," confirmed an investigating official. The search operations targeted multiple key locations simultaneously, including:
- The university's main campus in Sehore
- A premises in Arera Colony, Bhopal
- The residence of the university management's chartered accountant
Systematic Investigation Uncovers Academic Irregularities
The SOG's methodical approach has focused on verifying the legitimacy of the BPED degrees and the university's affiliations. "We took records of BPED degrees issued by the university and also sought details of its affiliation," explained the official, indicating that the investigation is examining both the individual certificates and the institutional framework that issued them.
The case highlights growing concerns about fraudulent academic credentials being used to secure government positions in Rajasthan. The SOG's ongoing investigation aims to determine the extent of the fraud, identify all parties involved in the issuance of questionable degrees, and ensure appropriate legal action against those responsible for compromising the integrity of the recruitment process.
