Kerala University says sports certificates of Sivarenjith are genuine

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala University authorities have claimed that the sports certificates issued to Sivarenjith, the accused in the stabbing of a University College student, are not fake.

As per records, Sivarenjith has participated in the inter-university arc-hery competition held in Bhubaneshwar and the university handball competition. Jayaraj David, director of physical education of the Kerala University, said that the records were verified. As per the register of the university, the certificates were found to be genuine.

After Sivarenjith came first in the PSC rank list based on grace marks awarded in sports events, many raised doubts about the sports department. A fake seal of the physical education department was also seized creating doubts about the authenticity of his certificates.  Later, it was found that the seal was fake.

Naseem, the second accused in the case, was ranked 28. There were allegations that the university authorities had lowered the qualifying norms for Sivarenjith. He had secured only the 158th spot out of 161 students in last year's inter-collegiate archery event. It was based on this that he was awarded grace marks.

The qualifying mark was initially reduced to 400 points and then to 200 points.  Sivarenjith, who had only 203 points, made it to the inter-university competition. As only four people took part in the event, Sivarenjith qualified with the second position.

The PSC has denied the allegation of malpractices. However, it has promised to look into the allegations against getting University College as examination centre for him.