The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has busted a racket involved in the fabrication and sale of fake educational certificates and marks cards, arresting a key accused who allegedly lured students with promises of obtaining degrees without attending college.

The accused has been identified as Rajareddy, who was operating from an office in Koramangala under the name “Digital Distance Education Mission”. The police are on the lookout for two other key suspects, identified as Karthik and Aryan, who are part of the racket and are currently absconding.

According to investigators, the accused targeted students by claiming they could secure admissions in reputed institutions and obtain academic qualifications without regularly attending classes. The accused allegedly promised admissions and degree certificates purportedly linked to several well-known educational institutions.

The police said the accused convinced candidates that they could directly appear for examinations and obtain valid degrees, PU and SSLC certificates without undergoing the normal academic process. After collecting money from the applicants, the gang allegedly prepared forged marks cards and educational certificates.

The investigation revealed that they charged anywhere between ₹30,000 and ₹50,000 for each fake certificate. Payments were collected online, and the forged documents were dispatched to customers through courier services to avoid suspicion.

Acting on credible information, the CCB officers conducted a raid at the office and seized more than 50 fake marks cards and educational certificates.

The police suspect that the racket may have supplied forged documents to candidates from different parts of Karnataka and other States. Officials are now verifying the authenticity of the seized documents and tracing the beneficiaries.

The CCB has registered a suo motu case and produced Rajareddy before a court. He was remanded in judicial custody. Efforts are under way to arrest the absconding accused.