In a significant development, Allahabad University has initiated a comprehensive review of all admissions granted this academic year. This drastic step follows the shocking discovery that several students, who already hold undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the same institution, fraudulently secured fresh seats.
University Launches Scrutiny Drive
The university's Public Relations Officer, Jaya Kapoor, confirmed that multiple teams have been formed to meticulously examine the documents submitted by every student admitted in 2025. "A thorough examination of documents submitted by all students admitted this year is underway. Several teams have been constituted to scrutinise each admission file," Kapoor stated. Preliminary checks have already revealed three to four such cases, raising alarms about a potential organised racket.
The scam came to light during routine verification of academic records. Officials were stunned to find that some new entrants, who had cleared the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), were already alumni. Investigations revealed these individuals submitted copies of their original Transfer Certificates (TCs) from their first stint at the university, using the same document years later to gain illegal re-admission.
High-Level Meeting and Police Involvement
Taking serious note of the breach, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sangita Srivastava convened an urgent high-level meeting. The gathering included Divisional Commissioner Saumya Agrawal, Commissioner of Police Joginder Kumar, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, and senior university administrators. The officials deliberated on whether the fraud was the work of an organised group or an external agency specializing in fake documents.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, Manish Kumar Shandilya, informed that the university is conducting its internal inquiry. The police will examine the findings and take appropriate legal action once they receive the official report from the university authorities.
Broader Implications and Security Concerns
PRO Jaya Kapoor highlighted the relevance of a prior warning from the Union Education Ministry, which had alerted universities to strengthen their security and admission processes against potential threats. This advisory now seems prescient in light of the current scam.
University officials emphasized the gravity of the offences, which include using fake documents, concealing educational qualifications for undue benefit, and misusing official certificates. Such acts deprive genuinely eligible students of seats and vital campus resources, violating their right to education. With a total strength of around 25,000 students, 500 teachers, and 2,000 staff, ensuring the integrity of the admission process is paramount.
In a related development, a university committee is also probing instances where individuals allegedly tried to send proxies to impersonate them during admissions. The university has vowed to take strict punitive action against all individuals and entities involved in these fraudulent activities.
