DU expels 18 for forgery

Students got admission using fake caste certificates

Eighteen students faced expulsion after Delhi University’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh College found that they had submitted forged documents. The decision was taken at a college staff council meet on Wednesday. 

The admission audit committee report had listed out names of 18 students – nine studying for BCom (Hons), seven for BCom and one each for BA (Hons) Economics and BA (Programme) – who had secured admission in 2012-13 allegedly with the help of fake caste certificates and mark sheets.

An FIR has been lodged with police on a complaint by the college. Their admission, which was ‘provisional’ since the certificates were yet to be verified, has been cancelled.

“These students had submitted false documents like caste certificates and mark sheets to get admission in the college. Most of the parents or guardian responded to explain their stand, agreed to have got duped through touts who promised them the admission under management quota and have got them the admission based on fake certificates,” said, principal of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College P K Khurana. 

He added his college has no management quota for admission and advised parents of admission seekers not to fall prey to touts. 

Earlier in March, the college had cancelled the provisional admission of 18 first year students. The college then went through old record to find out more such students. The touts target unsuspecting victims during the admission season and charge a hefty amount of Rs 3-4 lakh.

Parents ‘unaware’

Parents said they were not aware that the touts were making fake caste certificates and using impersonators for getting their children admission in the college.

In the past, such cases have been reported from Ramjas College, Satyawati College and Kirori Mal College.

Ramjas had hired services of forensic science experts in dealing with fake admissions. In the last two years, Ramjas spent nearly Rs 6,70,000 in hiring the services of forensic experts. 

To keep a check on forged documents, the administrative officers at colleges rely on information provided by the university in CDs, which contains information on Class 12 results of various state and central boards. 

But for verifying caste certificates, colleges contact the issuing authorities.

“Our experience has been very bad. Only in 10-15 per cent cases we get a timely reply,” said Khurana. 

He said his college has devised its own strategy to handle fake admissions. The college will photograph students and their parents during the time of admission.Along with OBC certificates, students in the forthcoming academic session will also be required to submit income proof. 

We also plan to ask students to furnish one of their parents’ caste certificate, in case they want to avail SC/ST reservation,” said Khurana, adding that a board outside the college will warn admission seekers to be careful of touts.