Kochi, 19 December(HS): A news suppressed by mainstream media (print & electronics) have gone viral all over Kerala thanks to the official Doordarshan News. Fake degree and post-graduate degree certificates numbering more than a lakh were seized by a special investigation team of the Kerala Police in Malappuram district early this week.

Such news from Malappuram district do not figure in the media thanks to fear as well as appeasement policies of the media and the authorities, said P V S Namboodiri, former bureaucrat based at Ettumanoor.

Police busted a major cartel specializing in the production of fake degree and post -graduate degree certificates of 28 universities. Danish, Jaseem, Irshad, Rahul, Nisar, Jayanul Abideen, Aravind, and Venkatesh, the kingpins have been arrested.

The suspects reportedly produced forged degree certificates and mark lists from over 28 universities across India.

A raid on a local press recovered more than 100 counterfeit documents along with fake seals and printing materials. Ten people have been arrested so far, and police said the investigation is ongoing, with more individuals potentially linked to the scam.

Those arrested were using sophisticated printing techniques to mimic official seals.

Police confirmed the multi-state probe involved cooperation between several local law enforcement agencies, highlighting the scale of the operation. One of the investigation officers told that the probe was on and they do not rule out the possibility of involvement of more persons.

Malappuram district holds the rare distinction of job seekers from the district who migrate to West Asian countries to get employment as mechanics, electricians etc making use of wedding invitation letters printed in Malayalam as their educational qualifications. Since the beautiful invitation letters are printed in Malayalam, the officials manning the agencies bestowed them with jobs of manager and accountants.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti