MADIKERI: The state PU Education Department officers on Thursday filed a complaint with Hubballi Vidya Nagar police.It is said a gang is operating in Bengaluru and other parts of the state issuing fake SSLC, PU and degree certificates to candidates by collecting `15,000 to ` 20,000.
It is said the fraudsters are issuing the marks cards in the name of Karnataka Institute of Open Schooling (KIOS) Hubballi, by collecting money from students. The certificates bear the address of Janani Career Academy, Vidya Nagar, Hubballi.
The gang uses social media to promote distance education programmes and lure candidates. They claim their distance education institution is recognised by the state government and MHRD. They even claim the institution has ISO 9001-2015 certificate.
Express contacted an employee Vidya, working in KIOS branch in Electronic City, Bengaluru, on Wednesday. She said the institution is recognised by GITAM University and is authorised to conduct SSLC, PUC exams. She guaranteed that student will get first class in the exams, which will be held in December.
When asked about the course fee, she said it will be `15,000 for PU and if a candidate does not wish to write the exam, they will make alternative arrangements and charge `3,000 extra for that.
The employee even sent a copy of PUC and SSLC marks cards. When Express sought admission in a prestigious degree college in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the college authorities were ready to admit a student based on this fake certificate.
PU board Director C Shikha said the government is not authorised to conduct any exam for private people. Following her instructions, Dharwad DDPU G B Pujar investigated the issue and found that no such college exists. He then filed a complaint with Vidya Nagar police station.