Fake certificate case: VC blocks move to make former principal, known for removing SFI leader, permanent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University VC has blocked the move to make former principal Dr Mohammad Thaha the permanent principal. Thaha famously removed former SFI leader Nikhil Thomas, who failed BCom in Kayamkulam MSM College and secured MCom admission using a fake certificate from Kalinga University. The recommendation to make Mohammad Thaha permanent was made by a syndicate sub-committee headed by Shiju Khan. In the syndicate meeting held yesterday, VC Dr Mohanan Kunummel took a stand that this cannot be accepted. The VC postponed the recommendation saying that it can be decided after a detailed examination.

The investigation found that the college authorities had seriously failed in the incident and it was serious that the teachers did not recognize the student and the principal and the head of the department were removed. Kalinga University Registrar informed that the certificate, mark list, TC and provisional certificate produced in Kerala University are fake. The registrar's report stated that admission on a fake certificate had damaged the reputation of the university. It was also found that the college had received the information request regarding Nikhil's fake degree months ago, but the authorities had concealed it. The college authorities revealed that Nikhil, who was also a college union councillor, was admitted on the recommendation of a former syndicate member. Nikhil's registration and equivalence certificate issued to him had earlier been revoked.