Fake birth certificates: harassment at ward offices, fraud racket exposed

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Citizens are facing severe harassment at municipal ward offices while applying for birth and death certificates. Taking advantage of such distressed applicants, a major racket supplying fake birth certificates has become active in the city. This shocking revelation came to light during the standing committee meeting on Tuesday. Corporator Rajgaurav Wankhede presented fake birth certificates in the house, creating a stir. Chairman Anil Makariye immediately ordered an inquiry.

In one case, a class VIII student, Rani Sunil Bhalerao from Misarwadi, was asked by her school to submit a birth certificate. Her parents promptly provided one, but the school insisted on an online certificate. When the parents submitted a certificate with a QR code, the school was shocked to find, upon scanning, that it belonged not to Rani Bhalerao but to Nitesh Ashok Khandre. When informed, Rani’s father brought another certificate, which also turned out to be fake. Frustrated, the parents tore the certificate in the school itself.

Education discontinued due to frustration

Due to poor financial conditions and repeated hurdles, Bhalerao discontinued his daughter’s education. Corporator Wankhede presented evidence in the meeting showing that a racket targeting distressed citizens and issuing fake birth and death certificates is operating in the city.

Serious allegations against ward offices

Corporators Amit Bhuigal, Surendra Kulkarni, Sachin Khaire and Azhar Pathan also expressed their views on the issue, highlighting how citizens are harassed at ward offices. Responding to the allegations, municipal health officer Dr Paras Mandalecha explained the official process of issuing certificates and the stipulated time frame, stating that such fake certificates were not issued by the municipal corporation. Chairman Anil Makariye ordered a detailed inquiry and strict action against those responsible.

If even the chairman faces trouble, what about common citizens?

Even after submitting all required documents as per rules, citizens are not issued birth and death certificates on time at ward offices. They are often harassed over minor issues. Chairman Anil Makariye and corporator Madhuri Advant shared their own experiences, pointing out how ward offices have effectively turned into centres of harassment.