The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has busted an inter-state racket involved in preparing and selling fake Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) marksheets, degrees and certificates, arresting its alleged kingpin from Prayagraj, officials said on Friday.

The accused, Mohd Taruq, was arrested on January 9, 2026, from Prayagraj. Investigations revealed that he was operating an office and clinic under the name ‘Savitribai Phule Medical Research Centre’ in the city.

According to the STF, the accused charged between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh from individuals in Uttar Pradesh and other states, supplying fake Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degrees, marksheets and certificates in the names of various medical colleges and universities.

In one case, complainant Brahmanand paid around Rs 6 lakh, after which the accused allegedly provided him forged BAMS documents purportedly issued by Shivalik Ayurvedic Medical College, Azamgarh, and Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, Jaunpur.

FAKE DEGREES USED TO TREAT PATIENTS

During interrogation, the accused confessed to issuing fake BAMS degrees and marksheets to several other individuals using the names of different universities and institutions. He also admitted to preparing forged degrees in his own name and in the name of his wife, Rashida Parveen, falsely claiming affiliation with Uttarakhand Ayurveda University and other institutions.

STF officials said the accused was treating patients suffering from serious illnesses on the basis of these fake medical qualifications, posing a serious risk to public health.

EQUIPMENT AND FORGED DOCUMENTS SEIZED

During the raid, the STF recovered a computer CPU, a mobile phone, a 32 GB pen drive, and 68 photocopies of fake marksheets and certificates from the accused’s possession.

The operation was carried out by the STF Field Unit, Prayagraj, under the supervision of a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

CASE REGISTERED UNDER BNS, IT ACT

A case has been registered against the accused at Kareli police station, Prayagraj Commissionerate, invoking serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Further investigation is underway to identify other beneficiaries and links to the racket.