Bogus University Exposed After Fake Doctorate Ceremony in Akola.

Fake Honorary Doctorate Scam Exposed in Akola: Alleged Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok Vidyapith (University) Under Scanner

A fake honorary doctorate scam surfaced in Akola after an unrecognised virtual university allegedly awarded a bogus honorary doctorate to Prakash Gopalrao Pohare at a public event. Sprouts News Investigations show no UGC approval, earlier Pune incidents, and an organised network exploiting academic honours to mislead journalists and the public.

Fake honorary doctorate scam allegations have surfaced in Akola, Maharashtra, after a public ceremony allegedly conferred an unrecognised doctorate degree under the banner of a purported virtual university.

Local social activist B. S. Deshmukh annually organises the Dr Punjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Programme at Nehru Park, Akola, where various social and public awards are presented.

During this year’s event, individuals claiming to represent Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok University arrived in Akola and allegedly awarded a fake honorary doctorate to a senior media personality.

The recipient was Prakash Gopalrao Pohare, editor-in-chief of the Marathi daily Deshonnati, who resides in Akola, where the newspaper’s headquarters are located.

The honorary doctorate was conferred on December 28 at Akola by fraudster Prakash Ghavghave, who claimed to be the Vice-Chancellor of the alleged institution.

The certificate stated the awarding body as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok University, Amravati, which organisers described as a virtual university operating in Maharashtra.

Alleged Virtual University Lacks UGC Recognition

Education experts point out that virtual universities are not legally recognised in India under existing University Grants Commission regulations.

As a result, such institutions cannot receive UGC approval, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of degrees and honorary doctorates issued under their name.

Investigations indicate that the so-called university does not appear in the official UGC list of recognised universities operating in Maharashtra or elsewhere in India.

Despite this, organisers allegedly exploited public ignorance and social prestige associated with doctorates to distribute fake academic honours at public events.

The honorary doctorate certificate reportedly carries signatures of fraudsters Prakash Ghavghave, Mangesh Deshmukh, and Nareshchandra Kathole, all now facing serious allegations.

Sources allege this trio has previously issued bogus PhD and honorary doctorate certificates to several individuals across Maharashtra, including media professionals.

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Pune Event Raised Earlier Red Flags

A similar incident reportedly took place last year in Pune, considered Maharashtra’s educational hub, intensifying concerns over unchecked academic fraud.

The Pune programme was allegedly organised at the Journalist Bhavan in Nana Peth, where fake PhD degrees were distributed under the guise of academic recognition.

Education activists say the misuse of respected venues adds false credibility to such programmes, misleading recipients and the wider public.

Journalists in Pune were allegedly among those deceived, highlighting how even informed sections of society can fall victim to structured academic fraud.

Observers warn that repeated incidents point to an organised network operating across cities rather than isolated lapses or misunderstandings.

Journalists Accused of Promoting Fake Degrees

In another troubling development, two journalists, Mahendra Deshpande from Nashik and Vishwasrao Arote from Akole, are alleged to have accepted fake PhD degrees.

Sources claim both individuals are now involved in organising award functions where similar bogus doctorate certificates are distributed to others.

Such actions, if proven, could severely undermine journalistic ethics and public trust in media institutions and professional awards.

Legal experts note that issuing or using fake academic degrees may attract criminal charges under cheating and forgery provisions of Indian law.

Pattern of Academic Deception Under Scrutiny

Educationists argue that fake honorary doctorate scams erode the value of genuine research degrees earned through years of academic work.

They also warn that absence of strict enforcement allows self-styled institutions to flourish without accountability or regulatory oversight.

Calls are growing for the Maharashtra government and UGC to initiate coordinated action against entities misusing the term “university” unlawfully.

The episode has renewed debate on the need for public awareness campaigns to help citizens verify academic credentials and institutional legitimacy.

Investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi and the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team have consistently exposed fake honorary doctorate rackets and academic fraud networks.

They emphasise that protecting educational integrity is essential to safeguarding India’s academic reputation and preventing exploitation through false honours.

Fringe Journalists Under Scrutiny

Journalists, Mahendra Deshpande from Nashik and Vishwasrao Arote from Akole, Jaypal Patil from Alibaug are alleged to have obtained fake PhD degrees. Investigations indicate they are now distributing bogus doctorates under the guise of award functions, raising serious concerns over ethics and credibility.

Sprouts’ appeals to the public to beware of this racket- unless fake image-building is your thing.

Roster of Fraudsters: Beware of these individuals selling bogus PhD degrees. Contact the police immediately if you have been scammed.

Tapan Kumar Rautaray, Maharshi Keshvananda, Anil Nair Thampi, Dinesh Kishor Gupta, Akepe Linus Enobi, Avinash Pawar, Joseph Legend Mfon, Musharrof Hossain, Vivek Choudhari- ESRDS, Siddic A Muhammed (Dubai), Kalyanji Jana, Riyas Sulaima Lebbe, Francisco Sardinha, Pawan Kumar Bhoot, Dnyaneshwar Yashwant Sapkal, Sundari Thakur, Madhu Krishan, Ghanshyam Sakharam Kolambe, Peeyush Pandit, Abhishek Pandey, Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande (Nashik-Saputara-Gujarat), Lal Bahadur Rana (Nepal), Sunil Singh Pardeshi, Mangesh Deshmukh, Nareshchandra Kathole- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh IAS Academy, Amravati, Kishor Baliram Patil- (Bhivandi- reporter), Vishwas Arote (Akole- reporter), Surykant Rawool, Tarvinder Singh, Kiran Bongale (Sangli), Anwar Sheikh (Pune), BuAbdullah, Lokesh Muni (Ahinsa Vishwa Bharati ), Kavita Bajaj and Mansukh Damji Tank – (Rajkumar Tank), Gaurav Shah- BJP, Anajni Kumar- Delhi, Anwar Shaikh (Pune ), Harshad Madhukar Sangle (Pune) & Dnyaneshwar Yashwant Sapkal.

List of fake universities awarding bogus PhD degrees:

► Gandhi Peace Foundation Nepal
► World Culture and Environment Protection Commission

► Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok Vidyapith (University)

► University of Louisiana
► The George Washington University of Peace, United States of America
► American East Coast University
► Socrates Social Research University
► World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHPRC)
► World Peace of United Nations University
► Mount Elbert Central University
► Maryland State University
► The University of Macaria
► Theophany University
► The Open International University of Complementary Medicine, Sri Lanka
► University of America Hawaii and Inox International University
► World Mystic Science Institute (OPC) Private Limited
► University of South America
► Southwestern American University
► The American University, USA
► Zoroastrian University
► Vinayaka Missions Singhania
► Adi Shankar Vedic University, Netherlands
► American Heritage University of Southern California (AHUSC)
► Peace University
► Global Human Rights Trust (GHRT)
► Trinity World University, UK
► St Mother Teresa University
► American University of Global Peace
► Jeeva Theological Open University
► World Peace Institute of United Nations
► Global Human Peace University
► Bharat Virtual University for Peace and Education
► National Global Peace University
► Ballsbridge University
► International Open University of Humanity Health, Science and Peace, USA
► Harshal University
► International Internship University
► British National University of Queen Mary
► Jordan River University
► Boston Imperial University
► Dayspring Christian University
► South Western American University
► Global Triumph Virtual University
► Vikramshila Hindi Vidyapeeth
► Jnana Deepa University (Pune)
► Oxfaa University
► Mount Elbert Central University
► Maa Bhuvaneshwari International University
► The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Management Studies (IEMS)
► Ecole Superieure Robert de Sorbon
► Central Christian University
► Azteca University
► University of Swahili
► Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok Vidyapith, Amravati
► International Human Rights Ambassador International Peace Corps Association
► Indo Global University, Hyderabad
► Mount Elbert Central University
► McSTEM Eduversity, USA
► Social Awareness and Peace University
► Indian School of Management and Studies
► Socrates Social Research University
► International Global Peace University
► Ballsbridge University
► Commonwealth of Dominica
► International Anti-corruption and Human Rights Council
► Bharat Virtual University
► Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hindi Vidyapith
► The George Washington University of Peace
► Asia Vedic Culture Research University
► Magic Book of Record
► European Digital University (EDU)
► Hessen International University
► Chicago Open University
► Global Conclave Virtual University
► Global Cocord Virtual University
► Cambridge Digital of University
► America Internation University (AIU)

List of NGOs giving fake awards and degrees:

► Dadasaheb Phalke Icon Awards Film Organisation
► Shri Dadasaheb Phalke International Award Film Foundation
► World Human Protection Commission
► Mahatma Gandhi Global Peace Foundation
► Empower Social and Education Trust
► Nelson Mandela Nobel Award Academy
► Diplomatic Mission Global Peace

END OF REPORT

Sprouts News SIT is committed to continuing this investigation. If you have any information related to degree fraud, please contact us confidentially on 9322755098 contact number.