University of Colombo Warns India Over Fake PhD Degrees.

A fake PhD degree scam has come to light after Sangli-based Kiran Bongale allegedly misused the name and logo of the University of Colombo to sell unauthorised doctoral degrees in India. The Sri Lankan university has clearly denied any association and warned that such degrees have no legal or academic value. Officials say Bongale changed university names earlier to avoid action, a common trick in fake degree rackets.

Fake PhD Degree Scam: Kiran Bongale Misuses University of Colombo Name, Authorities Alert

Fake PhD degree scam allegations have surfaced against Kiran Bongale, a Sangli-based serial fraudster accused of misusing the University of Colombo’s name and logo to sell unauthorised doctoral degrees in India.

The University of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s oldest and most reputed public university, has officially denied any association with Kiran Bongale or the fake PhD programmes being marketed under its identity.

University officials have categorically stated that no satellite campus, affiliate programme, or authorised representative operates in India under the University of Colombo’s name.

Despite this clarification, Bongale allegedly continued promoting fraudulent doctoral degrees, misleading students, professionals, and aspiring researchers by exploiting the institution’s international reputation.

University of Colombo Denies Links to Fake Degree Racket

In an official response, the University of Colombo confirmed that the degrees offered by Kiran Bongale are completely unauthorised and hold no academic or legal validity.

The university emphasised that it follows strict accreditation norms under Sri Lankan higher education regulations and does not offer distance or offshore PhD programmes through private agents.

Officials warned that any individual using the university’s name, emblem, or academic credentials without approval is engaging in criminal impersonation and academic fraud.

This clarification exposes a calculated attempt to misuse a globally respected academic brand to legitimise forged educational credentials.

Changing University Names to Evade Detection

Investigations reveal that Kiran Bongale has repeatedly changed the names of universities used in his operations to avoid scrutiny and law enforcement action.

Earlier, Bongale allegedly promoted fake degrees under the banner of Pt. Deendayal Upadhayay Hindi Vidyapeeth, before switching to the University of Colombo.

Most recently, he is suspected of falsely claiming affiliations with an unnamed United States-based university, continuing a pattern of deceptive rebranding.

Experts say such frequent changes are a common tactic in fake degree rackets to confuse victims and delay regulatory intervention.

Red Flags Indicating Fake PhD Degree Scam

Multiple warning signs point towards a well-organised academic fraud operation targeting aspirants seeking quick doctoral qualifications.

These include false claims of international university affiliation, absence of recognised accreditation, and demands for unusually high fees without formal admission procedures.

Victims are often promised expedited PhD completion, minimal coursework, and guaranteed certificates, all of which violate standard academic norms.

Education regulators warn that such degrees are invalid for employment, promotions, academic appointments, or immigration purposes.

Investigation Exposes Organised Academic Fraud Network

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has been tracking the fake degree scam, documenting evidence of forged certificates, misleading advertisements, and impersonation of reputed universities.

Sources indicate that promotional materials illegally use university logos, seals, and fabricated approval letters to appear authentic to unsuspecting candidates.

Education experts note that misuse of foreign university names increases credibility among victims unfamiliar with international accreditation systems.

Authorities stress that selling fake degrees constitutes cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under Indian law.

Upcoming Event Raises Fresh Concerns

Sources have flagged an event scheduled for February 28, 2026, where Kiran Bongale is allegedly expected to promote or distribute fake PhD degrees.

Citizens, academic institutions, and professionals have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid engaging with Bongale or his associates.

Law enforcement agencies have been advised to monitor the event closely to prevent further victims and preserve evidence.

Students attending such events risk financial loss, reputational damage, and potential legal complications.

How Students and Professionals Can Protect Themselves

Education authorities advise aspirants to verify university credentials directly through official university websites or recognised accreditation bodies before enrolling.

Unsolicited offers promising fast-track PhDs, foreign degrees without residence requirements, or guaranteed approvals should be treated as serious warning signs.

Any suspected fake degree activity should be immediately reported to the nearest police station or higher education regulatory authorities.

Experts warn that academic fraud not only harms individuals but also undermines the credibility of genuine education systems.

Sprouts News will continue monitoring developments as authorities tighten scrutiny on one of the most alarming fake PhD degree scams currently targeting Indian aspirants.

Also Read: Ajit Pawar Plane crash incident Sparks Call for CBI Probe.

Public Impact and Reader Advisory

This investigative news series has significantly heightened public awareness about the growing menace of fake doctorate rackets, prompting stricter scrutiny by academic institutions and authorities. Unmesh Gujarathi, India’s investigative journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News Media House, has published exclusive reports exposing fraudulent PhD organisers, and appeals to readers to remain vigilant, verify academic credentials rigorously, and report suspicious degree offers to prevent further exploitation.

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(Rout), Madhu Krishan, 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, Ghanshyam Sakharam Kolambe ( Empower Social and Education Trust – Dadar), Peeyush Pandit ( Piyush 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, Sandeep Marwah ( film producer), Sagar Ramakant Joshi ( Mira Bhayandar), Madhusudan Ghanekar (Pune, handwriting analysis and owner- Dr. Madhusudan Ghanekar Brahmadnyan Vidyapeeth), Dr P. Yohan -Guntur, Andhra Pradesh), Pedditi Yohanu (Hyderabad), R. K. Gupta

Managing Director & Vice Chancellor (International), Sreekumar N
Director – Marketing, Mission of Modernization (MOM), Dipak Harke

List of fake universities awarding bogus PhD degrees:

► Gandhi Peace Foundation Nepal
► World Culture and Environment Protection Commission
► The Honorary Doctorate Award Council (HDAC)
► World Peace of United Nations University
► Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman Award
►World Human Rights Protection Commission’s (WHRPC)
► International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council

► Royal American University (Kerala)
►World Peace United Nations University
► World Peace Institute of United Nations
► International Global Peace University
► International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council (IACHRC)
► World Culture and Environment Protection Commission (WCAEPC)
► Adi Shankar Vedic University
► Poet Gurram Jashuva Memorial Kala Parishad

► Gangamma Devi Shakti Preetham Trust
► National Human Rights Peace Council
► International Global Peace University

► 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)
► The Asia International Culture Research University

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.