‘Forgery’ cloud on 12 MP sports officers as probe intensifies

Bhopal: A cloud of uncertainty hangs over 12 gazetted district sports officers of Madhya Pradesh, after a special task force intensified its probe into allegations that they secured their jobs through forged certificates. The officers were recruited by the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) in 2018. The accused officers, currently posted in different districts, have been barred from promotions pending the inquiry. The task force is expected to submit its final report within weeks, which could lead to dismissals, criminal cases under BNS for forgery, and recovery of salaries. Initially, a probe was initiated against 18 officers for allegedly securing jobs through fake sports certificates. Subsequently, however, 6 of the 18 were absolved by the Special Task Force constituted under the sports department under the MP sports and youth welfare department. But the fate of the remaining 12 officers remains uncertain. Alleged scandal erupted last year after anonymous complaints surfaced, prompting MPPSC to institute a task force in coordination with the state vigilance cell. Preliminary findings pointed to alleged discrepancies in the sports achievement certificates submitted by several candidates during the 2018 recruitment drive to fill multiple posts of district sports officers.These posts, which typically pertain to overseeing sports development at the district level, require candidates vying for them to furnish proof of relevant qualifications, including sports medals and degrees. "While six have been exonerated (of the forgery charge), the remaining 12 are under deeper scrutiny. Fake certificates stand to undermine the merit-based recruitment process," a senior official told TOI on the condition of anonymity.Meanwhile, sports minister Vishwas Sarang said, "The ongoing probe by the STF will make everything clear. However, we are considering a new sports policy to ensure no recurrence of such incidents."