Thiruvananthapuram: The controversy surrounding now-suspended SFI district committee member Nikhil Thomas’ admission to a post graduate course at MSM college took a crucial turn on Monday. The Kalinga University registrar and Kerala University vice-chancellor raised serious concerns about the authenticity of his graduate certificate.

Registrar Dr Sandeep Gandhi said Nikhil did not study at Kalinga University. No student named Nikhil Thomas was enrolled at the university during the specified period, he told Mathrubhumi News. He added that the university was considering legal action.

For PG admission at MSM college in Alappuzha, Nikhil submitted a degree certificate from Kalinga University in Chhattisgarh.

Meanwhile, SFI state secretary PM Arsho said Nikhil Thomas' marks lists for all three years were authentic. However, the registrar clarified that examinations are conducted semester-wise, not yearly. 

Kerala University vice-chancellor Mohanan Kunummal has also weighed in on the matter, questioning how Nikhil, who reportedly had 75 per cent attendance in a UG course at Kerala University, obtained a certificate from Kalinga University during the same period. Nikhil failed his UG course in the state. The VC expressed scepticism about the authenticity of the certificate. He stated that further verification would be conducted to determine if it is fake.

In response to the vice-chancellor's allegations, MSM college principal Muhammad Taha stated that an internal inquiry will be conducted to ascertain any potential lapses on the part of the college.