43 Face Charges in Jalgaon Birth Certificate Fraud Scandal

Authorities in Maharashtra have launched a formal investigation, filing a First Information Report (FIR) against 43 individuals accused of manipulating birth certificate records at the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation. The case, brought to light by former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, centers on allegations of widespread irregularities in the issuance of these critical documents.

Somaiya had previously flagged concerns about a scheme involving the distribution of fake birth certificates, claiming they were being provided to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas across parts of the state. According to the FIR, lodged by Jalgaon police on April 4, many of these certificates contained falsified addresses or lacked essential documentation, such as hospital records or legal affidavits, violating the Registration of Births and Deaths Act.

The fraudulent certificates, officials warn, could be exploited to obtain other official documents, including Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and voter IDs. Somaiya praised the FIR’s registration, emphasizing the urgent need for tighter controls and greater accountability in government systems to prevent such abuses.