Exposing Fake Degrees: The Case of Arni University and Yerninti Sai Vivek
The Rise of Fake Degrees in India
In recent years, the education sector has witnessed an alarming surge in fake degrees, undermining the credibility of reputed institutions. One such case that has come to light is that of Yerninti Sai Vivek, who allegedly obtained a fraudulent degree from Arni University.
Case Study: Yerninti Sai Vivek’s Fake Degree
Yerninti Sai Vivek claimed to be a student of Arni University, presenting himself as an enrolled candidate. He is the son of Yerninti Gopala Krishna and Yerninti Tirumala Devi from Visakhapatnam and claimed to have completed his Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) in 2018 under registration number AGBC0014C/15 from Arni University, Himachal Pradesh.
According to reports, Mr. Vivek obtained a forged mark sheet from Visakhapatnam and later acquired his degree certificate through an Arni University staff member, Mr. Rohit. It was alleged that Mr. Rohit charged ₹8,000 via Google Pay to issue the fake degree, using an account linked to Ms. Shakuntala Dave, who was reportedly his accomplice.Â
Initially, he secured employment at Private Private IT firm using these fraudulent credentials. However, his deception was exposed when he applied for a Canadian visa, prompting a thorough background verification.
Upon investigation, Arni University confirmed that his degree was fake and that there was no record of him in their Examination Department. The university also stated that individuals facilitating such fraudulent transactions, including Mr. Rohit and Ms. Shakuntala Dave, were not associated with them.
The Reality of Backdated Degrees
This case highlights a growing problem where fraudulent agents—either operating within university campuses or from other states—sell backdated degrees from Arni University. The process typically involves:
- Fraudulent intermediaries
- WhatsApp-based transactions
- Financial exchanges to secure fake academic documents
University’s Response
Arni University officially stated:
No record of Mr. Vivek’s degree (Reg No. AGBC0014C/15) exists in their system.
His degree certificate and mark sheets were marked as fraudulent by the Controller of Examinations.
Neither Mr. Rohit nor Ms. Shakuntala Dave are associated with Arni University.
The university strongly condemns the illegal sale of degrees and will take legal action against those involved.
Why Fake Degrees Are Dangerous
Using a fake degree is a serious offense with severe consequences, including:
- Legal Actions – Fake degree holders can face criminal charges, imprisonment, and hefty fines.
- Employment Termination – Many companies conduct strict background checks, leading to dismissal if fraud is detected.
- Visa Rejection – Countries like Canada, the USA, and Australia permanently ban applicants caught using fake credentials.
- Reputation Damage – Once exposed, the individual suffers lifelong professional and personal disgrace.
Conclusion: Say No to Fake Degrees
This case serves as a stark reminder that fake degrees are not just unethical but illegal. Institutions like Arni University must implement stricter measures to prevent such fraud. Employers, recruiters, and immigration authorities should thoroughly verify academic documents before acceptance.
Have You Encountered a Fake Degree?
If you come across suspicious academic credentials, report them immediately to the respective universities or verification agencies. By raising awareness and staying vigilant, we can curb this growing menace and uphold academic integrity.
