The Anandpur Sahib police have registered an FIR against the Principal of Shri Dasmesh Academy, Anandpur Sahib, for allegedly submitting and using a fake PhD degree and misrepresenting her academic qualifications to secure the post.The FIR, registered at the Anandpur Sahib police station, has booked Sonu Walia, Principal of Dasmesh Academy, under Sections 419 and 420 of the IPC. According to the FIR, the alleged offences relate to the period from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2024.The case follows a complaint submitted by Bindu Sharma and others, alleging discrepancies in the academic qualifications claimed by the Principal. DSP Anandpur Sahib told reporters that after receiving the complaint, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains had ordered an inquiry. Deputy Commissioner Ropar, Aditya Dachalwal, constituted a committee headed by SP Ropar and comprising the District Education Officer, Ropar, SDM Anandpur Sahib and DSP Anandpur Sahib to probe the allegations. The committee submitted its report to SSP Ropar, Maninder Singh, who ordered the registration of the FIR.According to the complaint, the Principal had allegedly mentioned a PhD in Cancer Cytogenetics from Punjabi University, Patiala, in her resume/CV. However, during verification, questions were raised regarding the authenticity of the degree. The complaint alleges that in some records the qualification was shown as a completed PhD, while other documents listed it as “PhD – Pursuing”.The FIR also refers to an administrative inquiry into the Principal’s eligibility and qualifications. The District Education Officer (Secondary), Ropar, had reportedly sought verification of the qualifications and relevant records from the school management. The complaint alleges that despite repeated directions, the Principal and school management failed to provide the requisite certificates, following which a final show-cause notice was issued.The complaint also alleged other administrative irregularities in the functioning and management of the institution. As per the FIR, the Education Minister sought a special audit and investigation into the allegations and directed police to inquire into the alleged fake PhD degree and related records.The complainant has requested the seizure and preservation of original academic and eligibility certificates, appointment and service records, correspondence concerning qualifications, institutional records and digital data. The complaint states this was necessary to ensure that evidence was not destroyed, altered or tampered with during the inquiry.Police said the Principal of Dasmesh Academy would be asked to join the investigation and further inquiry would be conducted.Attempts to contact Principal Sonu Walia for comments were unsuccessful as her phone was switched off.