Fake ration card issued in deputy chief minister’s name

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A case has been registered at City Chowk Police Station against an unidentified person for allegedly preparing a bogus yellow ration card in the name of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.

The complaint was filed by foodgrain distribution officer Bharati Wakode from the district supply department. The incident came to light on the evening of March 12.

According to the complaint, the yellow ration card listed the name Eknath Sambhaji Shinde (Ambedkar Nagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) along with family members including wife Lata, son Shrikant, daughter-in-law Vrushali and grandson Rudransh, in an attempt to make the ration card appear genuine. The card also carried an official seal and signature.

District supply officer Pravin Phulari on Friday directed the concerned officials to register a case. Further investigation revealed that the ration card carried the number YP 346261, application number 343638 and code 251605.

Officials said the ration card was handwritten, whereas the government has been issuing online ration cards for the past two to two-and-a-half years. Further investigation is being carried out by police inspector Roylawar.