An Indian student studying at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania has been arrested for allegedly fabricating his fathers death to secure a scholarship, according to officials. Aryan Anand, a 19-year-old former freshman at Lehigh University, had been attending classes on a full scholarship until his admission was revoked in 2024. Officials discovered that Anand had falsified documents, including transcripts, financial records, tax statements, income statements, and even a death certificate for his father.The revelation of deception came to light when a moderator on Reddit alerted university officials about a post titled I have built my life and career on lies. This anonymous post hinted at fraudulent actions, prompting an investigation. The moderator identified clues linking the post to Anand, who followed only one university on Reddit—Lehigh University. Investigators found that Anands father was alive and residing in India, contrary to the death certificate he had submitted.Anand was apprehended on April 30, 2024, and faced charges of forgery, tampering with records, theft by deception, and theft of services. He pleaded guilty to forgery on June 12, acknowledging his fabrication of documents to obtain the scholarship. As part of a plea agreement, Anand received a sentence of one to three months in Northampton County Prison, considered time-served. Additionally, he agreed to return to India, and Lehigh University waived its claim for restitution of $85,000. Charges of theft and tampering with records were subsequently dropped.Following his sentencing, Anand was transferred to the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. Lehigh University expressed appreciation for the report received through its ethics hotline and commended the diligent investigation by its police department and the prosecution efforts by the Northampton County District Attorneys Office in handling Anands case of fraud.The incident highlights the universitys commitment to maintaining integrity and ethical standards, ensuring accountability for fraudulent actions affecting its scholarship programs.
