30 July,2026 09:39 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has suspended an employee and lodged a police complaint after he was allegedly found accepting money from a student in exchange for forged academic documents, including a B.Com degree certificate and marksheet.
The university said the employee, identified as Ramesh Mukhekar from the accounts department, allegedly accepted Rs 70,000 from a student after promising to arrange a genuine degree certificate and marksheet. However, the documents shared with the student were later found to be fabricated.
According to a statement issued by the university on Wednesday, Mukhekar allegedly sent images of the degree certificate and marksheet to the student through WhatsApp. Although the documents appeared authentic at first glance, they were later identified as fake.
University officials clarified that Mukhekar was not associated with the institution's Examination Department, which is responsible for issuing academic records.
"The employee is not attached to the university's Examination Department. The documents prepared and shared by him on WhatsApp do not match the official records of the Examination Department," the university said.
Following the complaint, SPPU suspended Mukhekar with immediate effect, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
The university said it acted promptly after verifying the initial complaint and initiated disciplinary proceedings alongside legal action.
SPPU has also approached the police to investigate the matter. According to the university, Dr. Rajendra Talware, Director of the Board of Examinations and Evaluation, submitted a formal complaint to the Chaturshringi Police Station seeking a detailed investigation.
"Strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in the offence during the police investigation," the university said.
The statement did not clarify whether any action would be initiated against the student who allegedly received the forged documents.
The university said preliminary findings suggest Mukhekar may have prepared the forged documents by exploiting his knowledge of the university's examination system. Investigators will now determine whether others were involved or whether there was any broader systemic lapse.
"It will be established during the police investigation whether any other person or systemic involvement exists in the matter," the officials said.
SPPU appealed to students and parents not to be misled by rumours regarding the authenticity of university-issued certificates. The university stressed that its marksheets and degree certificates contain multiple high-level security features designed to prevent tampering and forgery.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings of the police probe. The university reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examination and certification process while taking strict action against anyone found responsible for fraudulent activities.
(With inputs from PTI)
