THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI The Crime Branch on Wednesday made another arrest in connection with the issuance of fake certificates by educational institutions operating in the State.
The accused, identified as Pradeep alias Vikrant Ganesh Halankar and Jagdish Chandra Khandapal, heading the management of Grace Institution of Education and Vikrant MGT & Technology, were allegedly involved in issuing fake certificates and came under the radar during the ongoing investigation. Pradeep was subsequently arrested.
SP Rahul Gupta stated that Halankar was the director, while Khandapal was the principal. Investigations revealed that they were involved in creating and issuing fake certificates and mark sheets under the guise of legitimate academic institutions.
The accused also allegedly involved Khandapal's wife, Cynthia, and their daughter, Swizel, who worked as front-office staff in the operation.
One of the victims provided a certificate issued by the accused, which led to their arrests under Section 336 (3) read with 3(5) and 3(6) of the BNS Act, 2023.
This brings the total arrests to six, including the earlier arrests of Bindi Parab, Bhavesh Haldankar, Niraj Gawade, Vishnudas Bhomkar, and Yeshwant Kholkar.
The accused are alleged to have forged academic documents, Aadhaar cards, and other identity proofs for employment.
