Hyderabad, India – In a shocking revelation of academic fraud, the Saifabad police have arrested Pedditi Yohanu for allegedly distributing fake doctorate certificates in Hyderabad. Yohanu was caught red-handed at Ravindra Bharathi by the West Zone Task Force, while handing out counterfeit honors under the name of a fictitious organization — Poet Gurram Jashuva Memorial Kala Parishad.
Operating under the guise of recognizing achievements in literature and the arts, Yohanu collected money from individuals seeking social prestige and academic accolades. The certificates, styled as honorary doctorates, were entirely fraudulent and intended to deceive recipients into believing they held genuine academic honors.
During the arrest, police recovered multiple fake certificates, including blank templates prepared for future use. All seized materials were handed over to Saifabad Police Station for further investigation.
Police say the racket targeted vulnerable individuals who aspired to enhance their resumes or social standing. Authorities are now working to trace potential collaborators and recipients who may have knowingly or unknowingly participated in the scheme, hinting at a larger network involved in counterfeit credential distribution.
A case has been filed under relevant sections related to forgery, cheating, and impersonation, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Hyderabad Police Department has issued a strong advisory to the public, warning against engaging with unauthorized entities offering honorary degrees or academic credentials. They emphasized that possession or use of such forged documents can result in serious legal consequences.
This incident comes amid a rise in similar scams across the city, where fake educational certificates have been used for jobs, promotions, and even international visa applications.
