Wed Feb 19 19:24:29 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Police Busts Annamalai University Fake Certificate Ring
**Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu –** Osthin Raja, the alleged mastermind behind a massive fake certificate scam involving Annamalai University, has been arrested by the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID). Raja, apprehended in Bengaluru on Tuesday, was brought to Cuddalore after a court appearance. The arrest follows a year-long investigation launched after a large number of fake Annamalai University certificates were discovered discarded in garbage bins last July.
Initial investigations suggest Raja and his associates produced at least 400 fake degrees and diplomas, primarily in Homeopathy. Police believe some recipients may be practicing with these fraudulent credentials. The investigation also revealed that approximately 150 individuals, fearing discovery, voluntarily surrendered their fake certificates to authorities.
The group operated by designing and printing fake certificates and charging substantial sums depending on the course. While investigators have uncovered bank transactions totaling several lakhs of rupees, they suspect the total amount involved in cash dealings could reach several crores. Three other suspects were also arrested.
Inspector-General of Police T.S. Anbu confirmed the arrests, stating that the university officials are not implicated and the investigation aims to identify all beneficiaries. The CB-CID took over the investigation in July 2024 from the Cuddalore police.
First Piper 