In a major development related to the Rs 387-crore fake degree scam involving Manav Bharti University in Himachal Pradesh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured an order for the confiscation of two properties owned by the accused Mandeep Rana, who has been declared a Fugitive Economic Offender. The ED’s Shimla Sub-Zonal Office obtained the confiscation order on April 23 from the Special Court (PMLA).
The ED launched an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, after three FIRs were filed at Dharampur Police Station in Solan district regarding scheduled offences under the PMLA. The probe uncovered a large-scale fake degree scam involving Manav Bharti University and its affiliates, orchestrated by Raj Kumar Rana along with other accused individuals.
It was revealed that fraudulent degrees were being sold in the name of Manav Bharti University in exchange for money from students through a well-organized network of agents and intermediaries. The ED stated that the accused manipulated transactions to layer and launder the proceeds of crime, which amounted to nearly Rs 387 crore, investing in properties across multiple states.
The ED has so far attached assets worth close to Rs 200 crore, all of which have been validated by the Adjudicating Authority under the PMLA. Despite multiple summons and efforts by the ED to engage Mandeep Rana in the investigation, he has evaded the legal process, leading to coercive actions being taken against him for obstructing justice.
