Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
During the investigation of an attempt to murder case, police uncovered that AIMIM corporator Mehraj Khan had allegedly concealed his “third child” from the Election Commission while contesting the municipal polls. The revelation came after a fake school bonafide certificate was submitted, prompting police to verify school admission records. Sources said the City Chowk police placed the findings before the court and the Juvenile Justice Board, following which Mehraj Khan’s anticipatory bail plea was rejected.
On March 26, Rafat Yar Khan (45), a leader of Islam Party from Malegaon and resident of Mill Corner, was attacked with intent to kill following a political dispute in the Juna Bazaar area. Mehraj’s brother, Minaj Khan Abdul Jalil Khan (40), a resident of City Chowk, along with 11 others, was booked for attempt to murder. A minor in conflict with law was detained in the case. After two arrests, Mehraj and others moved court seeking anticipatory bail, which was rejected by additional sessions judge N.M. Jamadar after hearing arguments. Adv Rajesh Kale represented Rafat Yar Khan.
How the Fraud Came to Light
In his election affidavit, Mehraj declared having only two children. However, during investigation, the detained minor was initially shown as the son of Minaj Khan. Assistant police inspector Manoj Shinde, who is probing the case, sought age verification from the school. The school allegedly delayed providing documents and issued a bonafide certificate naming Minaj Khan as the father. On suspicion, police demanded the admission and withdrawal register extract, which revealed that the minor was in fact Mehraj Khan’s son.
Evidence Submitted Before Court
During the anticipatory bail hearing, the prosecution submitted evidence that Mehraj had concealed his third child and allegedly prepared a fake birth certificate to present before the Juvenile Justice Board. Minaj Khan’s wife was shown as the minor’s mother to secure his custody, police sources said.