Shillong: The Guwahati Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive search operations on December 22 at the offices of Meghalaya’s CMJ University, CMJ Foundation, and the residences of Chancellor Chandra Mohan Jha in Shillong and New Delhi.
The raids were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents and digital evidence.
The ED’s investigation stems from allegations of fraud involving the issuance of fake degrees by CMJ University. These operations are part of long-standing legal actions initiated after the Meghalaya police filed an FIR and charge-sheet against the university, its Chancellor, and his family.
CMJ University faced allegations of issuing approximately 20,570 fake degrees in exchange for money, despite having minimal faculty strength to conduct legitimate academic programs. The Meghalaya Governor directed the dissolution of the university in 2013, a decision upheld by the Meghalaya High Court in 2021.
The ED has identified crime proceeds amounting to ₹83.52 crore. Earlier investigations led to the attachment of properties worth ₹48.76 crore, suspected to be linked to the fraudulent activities.
In its statement, the ED highlighted the systematic issuance of fake degrees as a criminal enterprise. The search operations uncovered critical evidence, including financial records, fake degree documents, and other materials, which are expected to aid the ongoing probe.
The investigation underscores the ED’s commitment to addressing financial crimes and safeguarding the integrity of the education sector. Further action, including prosecution and recovery of proceeds, is anticipated as the case progresses.
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