The PhD Racket allegations have brought attention to suspected misuse of honorary doctorate titles in Maharashtra. Investigative material reviewed by Sprouts News links Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar and Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande to organisations allegedly offering unverified academic awards. Claims include the use of international university names and foundations without clear accreditation or authority. Experts note that legitimate honorary doctorates are awarded only by recognised institutions without payment. While no final findings have been issued by authorities, the case has raised broader concerns about academic integrity, public misrepresentation, and the need for regulatory oversight.

Honorary PhD Racket Exposed: Nashik-Based Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar and Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande Under Scrutiny

Sprouts News investigation highlights the alleged sale of bogus honorary doctorates and awards, raising serious concerns about academic fraud networks operating across Maharashtra and neighbouring regions.

The honorary PhD racket involving Nashik-based individuals Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar and Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande has come under scrutiny after evidence reviewed by Sprouts News suggested the alleged sale of fake degrees.

According to documents, photographs, and videos examined by the Sprouts News team, both individuals are accused of offering honorary doctorates and awards through entities that reportedly lack recognised academic authority.

Alleged misuse of international university names surfaces

Investigative material indicates that Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar allegedly marketed honorary doctorates under the name of “America Peru University,” along with claims involving other international institutions without verifiable affiliations.

Sources familiar with the matter stated that Bagmar has no confirmed institutional relationship with the named university, raising concerns about possible misrepresentation and misuse of academic branding for financial gain.

Parallel findings suggest that Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande, reportedly operating from Nashik and Saputara in Gujarat, has been linked to similar activities involving awards and honorary doctorate distributions.

Controversial organisations and registration concerns emerge

Documents reviewed by Sprouts News indicate that Deshpande allegedly issued honorary doctorates under entities such as “Darpankar Bal Shastri Jambhekar Patrakar Sanstha,” which, according to sources, faces questions regarding its registration status. Any organisation, NGO, or company cannot give honorary doctorates or regular PhDs.

Further claims suggest that honorary degrees were also distributed in the name of “Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation Nepal,” an organisation referenced in multiple reports concerning alleged fake doctorate circulation.

Social media listings associated with such entities have featured recipients including Amardeep Shashikant Shinge, S. Selvam, and A. Leyona in fields such as social service and Gandhian philosophy.

Similar patterns reported across multiple states

Comparable allegations have surfaced involving organisations such as “Mahatma Gandhi Global Peace Foundation” based in Kalinga Nagar, Odisha, reportedly accused of offering honorary doctorates in exchange for money.

Complaints in that case were reportedly filed with authorities in Guwahati, while separate reports have also referenced “Gandhi Peace Foundation Nepal” in connection with alleged fake honorary doctorate schemes.

Sprouts News experts note that recognised academic institutions do not sell honorary doctorates, and such degrees are awarded without application or payment, typically by accredited universities following formal evaluation processes.

Questions raised over academic claims and public assertions

Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande has reportedly claimed to hold a doctorate from Nalanda University, though sources allege that such claims remain unverified and may have been circulated through informal channels.

Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar, meanwhile, is described as a self-styled practitioner who claims qualifications in naturopathy and has made health-related assertions through advertisements on social media platforms.

Observers have raised concerns regarding the need for stronger regulatory oversight in cases where individuals promote unverified academic or medical credentials to the public.

An earlier criminal case adds to the scrutiny around alleged fraudster Bagmar

According to Pune Crime Branch records related to a 7 December 2021 operation in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar was arrested alongside another accused in a case involving alleged whale ambergris trafficking.

Police reportedly seized approximately 550 grams of ambergris, valued at nearly ₹1 crore, during the operation, with authorities stating that the substance was being prepared for sale to a businessman.

The matter also involved the seizure of an antique item, with investigators indicating that further inquiries were conducted into the broader network linked to the accused individuals.

Responses and pending clarifications from key individuals

When contacted by Sprouts News, alleged fraudster Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar reportedly acknowledged certain aspects of the matter but denied charging money in exchange for honorary doctorates or related recognitions.

Repeated attempts to contact another alleged fraudster, Mahendra Shamkant Deshpande, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication, and his response could not be independently verified.

Also Read: Marathi Language Rule Sparks Debate in Mumbai.

Broader implications for academic integrity and regulation

The developments highlight growing concerns over the misuse of honorary doctorates and awards, particularly through unregulated entities leveraging institutional names to create legitimacy among unsuspecting recipients.

Education experts emphasise that bodies such as the University Grants Commission do not recognise degrees issued outside accredited frameworks, underscoring the risks associated with such offerings.

As scrutiny intensifies, authorities may examine whether existing legal provisions adequately address emerging forms of academic misrepresentation, with potential implications for consumer protection and institutional credibility in India.

Readers’ Appeal:
Readers are strongly advised to verify the authenticity of honorary degrees and awards before accepting them. Any suspicious offers should be reported to authorities, and engagement with unrecognised institutions must be avoided to prevent academic fraud.

For further information or to share inputs, contact Unmesh Gujarathi and his team at 9322755098.

Sprouts’ appeal to the public

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 (WHRPC, WPUNU), Maharshi Keshvananda, Anil Nair Thampi, Dinesh Kishor Gupta, Akepe Linus Enobi, Avinash Pawar, Joseph Legend Mfon, Musharrof Hossain, Vivek Choudhari – ESRDS, Siddiq A Muhammed (Dubai), Kalyanji Jana, Riyas Sulaima Lebbe, Francisco Sardinha, Pawan Kumar Dhoot, 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 ( Dubai) Lokesh Muni ( Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati), Ajit Hukumchand Bagmar- Nashik, Dnyaneshwar Yashwant Sakpal ( So-called Psychological Counselor, Dombivali. Vivek Bindra ( motivator and business coach), Ganpat Kothari ( Mumbai), Avinash Dhananjay Sakunde ( London Book of World Records, Satara), Sanipina Jayalakshmi Rao, Anjani Kumar – World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC)

List of fake universities awarding bogus PhD degrees

* Gandhi Peace Foundation Nepal
* World Culture and Environment Protection Commission
* 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 the 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
* Maa Bhuvaneshwari International University
* The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Management Studies (IEMS)
* École Supérieure Robert de Sorbon
* Central Christian University
* Azteca University
* University of Swahili
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Lok Vidyapith, Amravati
* Indo Global University, Hyderabad
* McSTEM Eduversity, USA
* Social Awareness and Peace University
* Nalanda NIRC University ⁠
* Indian School of Management and Studies
* International Global Peace University
* Commonwealth of Dominica
* International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Council
* Bharat Virtual University
* Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Hindi Vidyapith
* 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 University Digital
* America International University (AIU)
• Dayspring International 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
* ⁠Darpankar Bal Shastri Jambhekar Patrakar Sangh
• The National Universities Commission (NUC)

Editorial Note

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.