Gujarat has emerged as the epicentre of a large-scale admission fraud that has jeopardised the dreams of numerous Indian students aspiring to study in the United States. Nearly 1100 Indian students, who had obtained fraudulent admission to American universities, are now facing the possibility of deportation.
These students paid substantial amounts to book hotel rooms in India, which were falsely presented as their residences during exams. The fraudulent scheme involved using hidden cameras and Bluetooth keyboards to cheat on online exams.
Investigations have revealed that these students paid significant sums, up to one lakh rupees, to book hotel rooms in India. These hotel rooms were falsely represented as their place of residence, facilitating the fraudulent exams. With a rising trend in online examinations for foreign travel, the malpractice has become more prevalent. During these online exams, individuals other than the students would occupy the hotel rooms, providing answers through hidden cameras and Bluetooth keyboards. To avoid arousing suspicion from American invigilators, the students themselves would merely simulate typing on their own keyboards.
This fraudulent examination racket has been unearthed in the cities of Vadodara and Surat. The masterminds behind this operation, identified as Maheshwara, Chandrashekhar, and Sagar, run a website called “Voice of Immigration.” They promised students admission and assistance in American universities, charging different fees for each type of fraudulent service.
The process of pursuing education abroad necessitates clearing standardised exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE. These students had successfully passed these exams, gaining admission to reputable American institutions. However, investigations have exposed that during these exams students engaged in malpractice, using inappropriate methods to cheat in exams.
Also Read: ‘Don’t Teach Children to Criticise Govt Policies’: HC While Quashing Bidar Sedition Case
