Sandeep Sahrawat, once a modest computer operator, has been arrested as the kingpin behind a massive fake degree and marksheet racket centered around Monad University in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. According to a detailed report by Dainik Bhaskar, Sahrawat had transformed into a millionaire through this illegal enterprise, amassing properties worth crores, including a palatial mansion in Chirawadi village, Palwal (Haryana).
From Computer Operator to Scam Kingpin
Sahrawat, a resident of Bhamraula village in Palwal, Haryana, studied only up to Class 12. Starting out with odd jobs, he later opened a small computer center where he began offering fake board exam marksheets. Over the years, his operations expanded across Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, and Delhi. His network eventually included key officials from Monad University — from the Chancellor to the accountant.
His mansion, built in 2014 on several acres, is equipped with high-end security, luxury vehicles, and full-body scanners. Villagers say even popular Haryanvi dancer Sapna Chaudhary shot videos at the mansion.
STF Investigation and Arrests
Uttar Pradesh’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested Sahrawat on May 17, following a tip-off related to a fraudulent PhD degree submitted for a university job in Haryana. The degree was traced back to Monad University and found to be fake.
Based on Sahrawat’s interrogation, STF has arrested 11 individuals so far. These include:
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Vijendra Singh Hooda – Chancellor, Monad University
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Nitin Kumar Singh – Pro Chancellor
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Mukesh Thakur – Chairman’s PA
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Gaurav Sharma – Head of Verification
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Imran – Admission Director
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Anil Batra – Accountant
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Vipul Talyan – Head of Verification
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Others involved from Ballabhgarh and surrounding areas
STF seized over 1,300 fake degrees and marksheets during the investigation. Sahrawat reportedly charged ₹5,000 to print a fake marksheet, which was later sold to students for anywhere between ₹50,000 and ₹4 lakh.
Life of Luxury and Secrecy
Villagers recall that Sahrawat mostly stayed away from home while his wife and two children lived in the mansion. He married a local girl, and after some controversy, settled into a secretive, high-security lifestyle. His estate features surveillance systems and high walls preventing outsiders from peering in.
The mansion has even served as a shooting location for several regional music videos, underlining his apparent VIP status.
Political Links and Background of University Officials
The scandal has also brought renewed attention to Monad University’s chancellor, Vijendra Singh Hooda, a controversial figure with a history of fraud. According to Dainik Bhaskar, Hooda was once involved with the infamous Bike Bot scam and fled to London, where he remained a fugitive for over a year. More recently, he contested and lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Bijnor on a BSP ticket. Hooda is reportedly linked to other educational institutions and was planning to open a new college in Meerut.
Source: Dainik Bhaskar (English Edition)
