ALLEPPEY: In the case registered by the Kayamkulam police for cheating the MSM college by making a fake degree certificate of the Kalinga University, the police have intensified their investigation for Nikhil Thomas, who was a member of the SFI Kayamkulam area committee. Three teams are investigating under the supervision of Kayamkulam DySP Ajayanath.

The investigation is centered on Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The family informed the police that Nikhil Thomas, who was at home in Kayamkulam till Sunday, went to Thiruvananthapuram on Monday morning to meet SFI state leader PM Arsho, and there was no information after that. Nikhil's phone is switched off. The police informed that the phone is being monitored by cyber police.

Kayamkulam police interrogated Nikhil's close friends. The DYFI leader who accompanied Nikhil to Thiruvananthapuram was also summoned and questioned. The police claim that they are conducting various investigations based on the information provided by them. It is concluded that Nikhil went into hiding only after reaching Thiruvananthapuram.

The case was registered on the complaint of MSM College Principal-in-Charge Muhammad Thaha. In the FIR, it is said that Nikhil Thomas, who failed in Bcom, cheated by submitting fake documents for Mcom admission. The FIR also states that the transfer/migration certificate and equivalent certificate of Kerala University were submitted in the name of Kalinga University.

Kayamkulam Police in Kalinga

A two-member team of Kayamkulam SI reached Kalinga University to verify the authenticity of the certificates. The police will check with the vice chancellor and the registrar that Nikhil studied there and passed the exam. Their statements will also be recorded.

The police recorded the statements of teachers including MSM College Principal Muhammad Thaha and Head of Commerce Department Sonny P John, who were supposed to ensure the validity of the certificates as the convener of the admission committee.

Case and Sections

Crime No. - 686/23

IPC 465 : Forgery - Punishment with imprisonment for two years or fine or with both.

IPC 468 : Forgery for cheating - 7 years imprisonment and fine

IPC 471 : Genuine use of forged document - Imprisonment

More people involved?

Nikhil Thomas is the only accused in the case, but there may be others who are co-accused. It is assumed that Nikhil got help to forge the fake certificate. The graduation certificate, TC and migration certificate are fake. The police who went to Kalinga will throw clarity on the matter once they return. The equivalence certificate of Kerala University will also be investigated to know if it is original. Electronic devices used to produce fake certificates will also have to be found.