Patna: A certificate verification drive in Bihar’s Nalanda district has uncovered alleged irregularities in the educational qualifications of several contractual teachers, prompting the registration of FIRs against five individuals and placing dozens of appointments under scrutiny.
The action follows an investigation conducted under the directions of the Patna High Court, during which educational documents submitted by teachers were verified with the issuing universities. According to officials, several certificates were found to be inconsistent with university records, raising concerns over their authenticity.
FIR Registered Against Five Teachers
The first case was registered against Sharda Rani, a teacher posted at Pachrukhia Upgraded Middle School in Hilsa block. Officials said she had submitted a B.Ed. certificate purportedly issued by Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, during her appointment process in 2013.
Following verification, the university reportedly informed the Vigilance Department that the certificate did not match its records. Based on the complaint, Hilsa Police Station registered Case No. 447/2026.
Subsequent investigations identified four more teachers whose documents were found to be suspicious. Rajgir Police Station registered Case No. 362/2026 against Md. Zahid Parvez, a teacher posted at Andwas Middle School in Rajgir block.
Separate FIRs were also lodged at Silao Police Station against Subodh Kumar of Dhamar Upgraded Middle School, Neeraj Kumar of Pachwara Upgraded Middle School, and Mani Shankar Sharma of Nanand Middle School.
Verification Revealed Discrepancies
According to preliminary findings by the Vigilance Department, the certificates submitted by the accused teachers did not correspond with records maintained by the concerned universities.
Officials said both police and departmental investigations are underway to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and establish whether additional individuals were involved.
Around 80 Appointments Under Scanner
Sources in the district administration indicated that the investigation has widened significantly. Cases have reportedly been registered against nearly 80 contractual teachers across Nalanda district over allegations of securing employment through forged certificates.
The development has raised concerns within the Education Department and district administration regarding the verification mechanisms used during earlier recruitment processes.
Authorities Probe Wider Network
Rajgir Sub-divisional Police Officer (DSP) Sanjit Kumar Gupta said legal proceedings are being carried out in accordance with the law.
He stated that investigators are not only examining the role of the accused teachers but are also attempting to identify individuals and networks allegedly involved in preparing forged certificates and facilitating appointments.
“The investigation is focused on tracing the entire chain involved in the alleged certificate fraud,” Gupta said.
Departmental Action Likely
Officials said the Education Department has been informed about the cases, and departmental proceedings, including potential termination of service, may be initiated against the accused teachers.
Authorities added that if the allegations are proven during the course of the investigation, both criminal and administrative action will follow.
Recruitment Transparency in Focus
The case has renewed scrutiny of teacher recruitment procedures in Bihar, particularly regarding the verification of educational credentials submitted by candidates.
Officials from the Education Department and Vigilance Department have maintained that individuals found to have obtained government jobs using forged documents, as well as those involved in creating or facilitating such documents, will face strict action.
With the verification exercise continuing, authorities expect additional cases to emerge as more records are examined across the district.
