ALAPPUZHA: A former SFI leader who is abroad now helped ex-SFI leader Nikhil Thomas in forging a fake degree certificate of Kalinga University, said his friend. Reports said that this statement was obtained when Nikhil's close friends were interrogated by the Kayamkulam police. The fake certificate was produced through an agency based in Kochi. However, only after nabbing Nikhil more clarity would be obtained in this regard.

Although only Nikhil Thomas has been implicated in the case presently, the police hint that there may be co-accused. This is following the statement of Nikhil getting help for forging the certificate. His degree certificate, TC and migration certificate are fake. Kerala University’s equivalence certificate will also be investigated if it is original.

Meanwhile, the police is conducting a strong investigation to trace Nikhil. The investigation is mainly focusing on Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in three teams under the supervision of Kayamkulam DySP Ajayanath. His family told police that Nikhil Thomas, who was at home in Kayamkulam till Sunday, went to Thiruvananthapuram to meet SFI state leader P M Arsho Monday morning and after that there is no information about him. Nikhil's phone is switched off. The police informed that the phone is being monitored by the cyber police. The police had yesterday summoned and questioned DYFI leader who went to Thiruvananthapuram with Nikhil.