SHILLONG: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at the offices of CMJ University, Shillong, and the residences of its Chancellor, Chandra Mohan Jha, and his family members.
In a statement on Monday, the ED said that the searches conducted in 2002 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) yielded several incriminating documents and digital evidence. The ED’s investigation traces back to a 2013 decision by the Meghalaya Governor, who is also the university’s visitor, to dissolve CMJ University.
The Meghalaya Police subsequently filed an FIR and charge sheet against the university, its chancellor, his family members (who are trustees of the CMJ Foundation), and others, alleging that they defrauded thousands of students by issuing fake degrees in exchange for money.
The ED’s investigation revealed that CMJ University awarded approximately 20,570 fake degrees despite having a small faculty with questionable credentials. Funds obtained from the sale of these degrees were allegedly diverted through a network of bank accounts, including fixed deposits, mutual funds, and life insurance policies, held by the Jha family.
During the searches, the ED froze Rs 1.53 crore found in bank accounts suspected of holding proceeds of crime. The total estimated proceeds of crime in this case amount to Rs 83.52 crore. The ED has already attached properties worth Rs 48.76 crore. The agency has filed a prosecution complaint in the special court (PMLA), Shillong, and the investigation is ongoing.