Date:22/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/22/stories/2006042212750300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

Fake marks card racket busted in Bellary city

Staff Correspondent

The accused produced certificates of 11 institutions in State, Andhra Pradesh

It was an inter-State gang producing fake academic documents, say the police
The accused were also allegedly involved in counterfeit currency racket

State police got a tip off from their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh

BELLARY: Cowl Bazar police have busted a fake academic documents racket here on Thursday. The accused allegedly used to produce marks cards and certificates of various universities and educational institutions in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and were also involved in the circulation of counterfeit currency. Three persons have been arrested in this connection.

Superintendent of Police Pankaj Kumar Thakur told presspersons that based on information that the gang was engaged in preparing fake academic documents and counterfeit currency in Vidyanagar area, the Cowl Bazar police team raided the premises and seized marks cards, transfer certificates, a computer, scanner, printer, stamps and seals and other materials belonging to 11 educational institutions in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The institutions in question are Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Anantapur; Sri Venktakeshwara University, Tirupati; Sri Krishna Devaraya Engineering College, Gooty; Board of Secondary Education Andhra Pradesh; Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad; Gulbarga University, Gulbarga; Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum; Karnataka Secondary School Education Board, Bangalore; Pre-University Board, Bangalore; Vasavi Pharma College, Bellary; Sanjay Gandhi Rural Polytechnic, Bellary and a school of nursing. According to Mr. Thakur, Glen Breggs (30), resident of Mastan Pet in Guntakal Andhra Pradesh, was the kingpin in preparing the fake documents. He was wanted by the Andhra Pradesh police in five cases of forgery booked and chargesheeted against him since 2000. With links in all major cities in the State and also Andhra Pradesh, the accused used to get the work done through his assistants and operated with the help of middlemen, who had already obtained fake marks or certificates from him.

Mr. Thakur said that Basha, a constable in Andhra Pradesh CID, gave lead about Glen, which helped the Bellary police to unearth the racket being operated here.

The police have recovered the silver thread, used to prepare counterfeit currency of the denomination of Rs. 500 and several counterfeit currency notes from his room here.

The police have arrested B.Devappa, resident of Guntakal, and A. Vasanta Kumar and Mariyan Gonsalves, both residents of Cowl Bazar, who were alleged agents of Glen.

Vasanta Kumar, and Mariyan, had obtained fake marks certificate from Glen on payment of Rs. 11,000, the police said. The police are on the look out for Glen, Thimmappa (22), Firoz (21), Nagesh (22), all residents of Guntakal and Chandra (25) from Rayadurga, who are reported to be absconding.