Savitribai Phule Pune University has initiated an investigation following allegations that a staff member from its finance and accounts department sold a counterfeit degree for Rs 3 lakh to the son of a rickshaw driver.
Mahesh Kadam, a rickshaw driver, visited SPPU to enquire about his son’s higher education, when Ramesh Mukhekar, an official from the Finance and Accounts Department, with his accomplices agreed to provide a BCom degree certificate to Kadam for Rs 3 lakh.
However, the certificates Kadam obtained were issued under the name "University of Pune" rather than "Savitribai Phule Pune University."
He further claimed that four separate degree certificates were granted for each of the four years of study. A written complaint was subsequently submitted to the Vice Chancellor’s office.
SPPU records dated July 2025 show that Ramesh Mukhekar held the position of assistant section officer (accounts) in the university’s finance and accounts department.
Dhammaratna Gaikwad, a social activist assisting the complainant, stated, "Despite a delay of one month, the university administration has at last begun administrative proceedings against the officials and staff involved."
In response to the allegations, the director of the board of examinations and evaluation at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) stated that the university has received a complaint concerning the certificates and degree of a particular student.
The complaint alleges that forged mark sheets, degree certificates, and various other documents were created under the University’s name. It also claims that the student involved was subjected to financial fraud in relation to these activities.
The University administration has taken a very serious view of this issue. Under the orders of the Honourable Vice-Chancellor, a fact-finding committee has been constituted to conduct a thorough inquiry into all aspects of the case.
Upon receipt of the committee’s report, necessary administrative and legal actions will be initiated based on its findings and recommendations.