The very foundation of Forensic Science rests on truth, integrity, and credibility. Every fingerprint examined, every DNA profiled, every toxicological analysis reported can alter the course of justice, freedom, or punishment. It is a science where honesty is not optional — it is mandatory.
And yet, today in India, the field is witnessing its darkest hour. Shockingly, it is not outsiders or fake consultants who are undermining its credibility, but students themselves — students who have not even completed their degrees, but present themselves as CEOs, Directors, Founders, Mentors, and Authorities.
This is not harmless ambition. It is a serious offense — academically, ethically, and legally.
The Epidemic of Fake Authority
Across social media platforms, a new trend is visible:
- B.Sc. and M.Sc. forensic students declaring themselves as CEO or Director of companies that exist only on paper or as Instagram pages.
- Handing out fake ISO certifications to add "credibility."
- Running unauthorized certificate courses with no academic or institutional approval.
- Issuing awards and recognitions using official government logos (like MSME, Government of India) without permission.
- Presenting themselves as trainers or mentors, despite being unqualified.
This is nothing less than a forensic scam unfolding in plain sight.
The Student Who Became an Award Authority
On 30th July 2025, a 4th semester B.Sc. Forensic Science student was issued an internship certificate by a Joint Director of a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Just over a month later, on 5th September 2025, the same student announced an award ceremony — where the award was presented to the same Joint Director.
This raises alarming questions:
- How can a student with no degree suddenly become the signing authority of an award?
- Why was the MSME logo used illegally, making it look like a government-partnered recognition?
- How was this allowed to happen under the nose of professionals?
This is not professional growth. It is manipulation, misrepresentation, and potential forgery.
Institutional Endorsement Gone Wrong
Worse still, the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) — India's most reputed forensic institute — recognized this misleading award on its official page.
This is where individual mischief becomes institutional malpractice.
- If the torchbearer of forensic education legitimizes fake recognitions, what message does it send to the community?
- If a premier institution cannot distinguish genuine from misleading, why would the public trust any forensic initiative in India?
- Forensics needs institutions to set standards — not dilute them.
The Internship Scam
One of the most concerning practices now spreading is this: B.Sc. students offering internships to other forensic students.
Think about the absurdity:
- A 3rd or 4th semester student, who has not even completed basic coursework, now positions themselves as an internship provider.
- Freshers and juniors are misled into thinking they are gaining valuable training — when in reality, they are receiving worthless certificates.
This is not mentorship. This is fraud disguised as opportunity.
This is the forensic equivalent of a second-year MBBS student opening a clinic to train juniors in surgery. Would you trust such a doctor with your life? Then why should the justice system trust a forensic student pretending to be a trainer?
Why This Is Dangerous
- It Misleads Freshers – Juniors waste time and money, walking away with certificates that have no professional value.
- It Dilutes Genuine Internships – Every fake internship handed out makes real, accredited internships harder to trust.
- It Breeds Ignorance – Students trained by other unqualified students will carry misinformation forward.
- It Borderlines on Criminality – Collecting fees, issuing certificates, or using logos without authorization can qualify as cheating and forgery under Indian law.
The Mentality Behind This Madness
Why are so many forensic students declaring themselves "CEO," "Director," or "Founder"?
- Ego and Social Media Addiction – In the age of likes and followers, fake titles create instant validation.
- Identity Crisis – Many students feel insecure about their place in a competitive field and try to manufacture authority.
- Shortcut Culture – Hard work is replaced by Canva-made awards and certificates.
- Lack of Guidance – Institutions often fail to instill professional ethics.
- Exploitation of Forensics' Image – The term "forensic" sounds authoritative, so it's used as a prop to gain prestige.
But let's be clear: this is not ambition — it is deception. And deception has consequences.
Who Is Responsible?
Students – for indulging in shortcuts and self-deception.
Institutions – for ignoring or even endorsing malpractice.
Authorities – for failing to crack down on misuse of names, logos, and designations.
Professionals – for not raising the alarm loudly enough.
The Consequences Will Be Severe
Academic Consequences
- Blacklisting by universities.
- Cancellation of degrees if malpractices are proven.
- Permanent damage to academic credibility.
Professional Consequences
- Employers will dismiss you as a fraud.
- Genuine forensic labs and police departments will not hire you.
- Once exposed, your name will be permanently associated with malpractice.
Societal Consequences
- Collapse of public trust in forensic science.
- Courts may begin to doubt forensic reports, affecting justice delivery.
- International communities may brand Indian forensic education as unreliable.
Legal Consequences
These acts are not only unethical, but criminal. Students indulging in such practices could face:
BNS Section 318 (Cheating & Dishonest Inducement of Property)
Punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years and fine.
BNS Section 319 (Cheating by Personation)
Punishable with imprisonment and fine (up to 3 years in most cases).
BNS Section 336 (Forgery & Use of Forged Documents)
General forgery up to 2 years; forgery for cheating up to 7 years; forgery harming reputation up to 3 years.
Information Technology Act, Section 66D (Cheating by Personation using Computer Resources)
Up to 3 years imprisonment and fine.
Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950
Misusing government logos (like MSME, GoI) is punishable by fine and prosecution.
The Final Warning
You are not CEOs. You are not mentors. You are not award authorities. You are students — and there is dignity in that, but none in pretending to be more.
Every fake award you hand out, every fraudulent internship certificate you issue, every false logo you paste on a poster is a nail in the coffin of forensic credibility in India.
This is not the path to recognition. This is the path to legal trouble, academic disgrace, and professional ruin.
A Call to Action
Students
Focus on knowledge, research, and real-world training. Build credibility, don't counterfeit it.
Institutions
Stop legitimizing fake initiatives. Lead by example.
Authorities
Act immediately against misuse of government symbols and fraudulent courses.
Community
Expose wrong practices, name them, shame them, and demand accountability.
Forensic science is not a playground. It is a discipline tied directly to truth, justice, and life itself. If students start their careers with lies, the damage will echo in every courtroom, every case, every verdict.
Stop now — or face the consequences.
