MBU fake degree scam: 2 properties belonging to accused to be confiscated

A Special Court of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Shimla has ordered the confiscation of two properties belonging to accused Mandeep Rana, involved in the fake degree scam in the Manav Bharti University (MBU) in Solan.

The accused was earlier declared a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) on January 3 by the same court. The decision came after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed an application regarding the permission to confiscate the said properties of the accused in the court.

The accused was involved in a large-scale fake degree scam involving MBU and its associated entities. An investigation was then initiated by the ED under relevant sections of the PMLA based on three FIRs registered at Police Station, Dharampur, in Solan.

The ED investigation revealed that Raj Kumar Rana, in a criminal conspiracy with the co-accused including his wife Ashoni Kanwar and son Mandeep Rana, orchestrated a well-organised racket for selling fake degrees through agents and intermediaries. These fraudulent degrees were issued in the name of Manav Bharti University, Solan, in exchange for money from students.

The ED has attached assets worth approximately Rs 200 crore till date. However, in flagrant and calculated defiance of the judicial process, Mandeep Rana wilfully disregarded and failed to comply with the summons issued by the court and evaded the due process of law.

Despite repeated summons and exhaustive, sustained efforts undertaken by the ED to secure his presence, the accused has deliberately and persistently refused to join the investigation or submit to the jurisdiction of Indian courts.