New Delhi: The Special Court (PMLA) in Shimla has declared Mandip Rana and his mother Ashoni Kanwar as fugitive economic offenders in connection with a Rs 387 crore fake degree scam involving Manav Bharti University in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. Both are accused of fleeing to Australia, officials said on Monday.
According to an official statement, the court accepted the application filed by the Enforcement Directorate’s Shimla sub-regional office and on Saturday declared Mandip Rana and Ashoni Kanwar as fugitive economic offenders under the provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) 2018.
The duo is allegedly involved in money laundering linked to the fake degree scam orchestrated by Mandip Rana’s father, Raj Kumar Rana. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched the investigation based on three First Information Reports (FIRs) registered at Dharampur Police Station in Solan district under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
ED’s probe revealed that Raj Kumar Rana, with the help of his wife Ashoni Kanwar, son Mandip Rana, and other co-accused, sold fake degrees to agents and students in the name of Manav Bharti University, Solan. The total value of the proceeds from the sale of these fake degrees is estimated at Rs 387 crore.
The illegally obtained funds were reportedly used by Raj Kumar Rana, Ashoni Kanwar, and Mandip Rana to purchase movable and immovable properties in various states under their names and those of related entities. So far, the federal agency has seized assets worth Rs 200 crore in connection with the case.
Earlier, the ED had filed a charge sheet against Raj Kumar Rana, Ashoni Kanwar, Mandip Rana, and 11 others along with two entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, before the Special Court (PMLA) in Shimla. The court took cognizance of the chargesheet on January 4, 2023, and issued summons to Ashoni Kanwar and Mandip Rana, which they did not comply with.
Subsequently, on November 4, 2023, the Special Court issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against both Ashoni Kanwar and Mandip Rana. Investigations further revealed that following the FIR against Manav Bharti University, both fled the country and are currently residing in Australia.
Despite repeated calls to join the investigation and efforts to bring them back to India to face trial, both accused have refused to return, leading to their declaration as fugitive economic offenders by the court.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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