Chancellor Sells Degrees for Cash? ED Confiscates ₹20 Crore Property in Mega University Scam
Shillong(The Uttam Hindu): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action in the fake degree scam linked to CMJ University. The agency has provisionally attached properties worth ₹20.28 crore belonging to the university’s chancellor, Chandramohan Jha, and his family. The seized assets include four luxury properties worth ₹19.28 crore located in New Delhi and ₹1 crore in bank balances.
The ED stated that the action was carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Investigations revealed that the university was involved in issuing fake degrees and certificates in exchange for money, earning approximately ₹83 crore through this racket.
This case originated from an FIR filed by Meghalaya CID, based on a complaint by IAS officer M.S. Rao under the directive of then-Governor R.S. Mooshahary. The CID probe exposed massive irregularities, including the sale of degrees without proper academic procedures.
According to ED officials, the four immovable properties were purchased between 2013 and 2022 using proceeds of crime. Additionally, ₹1 crore was secretly transferred to a family member’s account in December 2024 in an attempt to conceal the funds. The ED issued a provisional attachment order on July 3, and further legal action is in progress.