Fake MIDC letterheads misused to obtain Vidhan Bhavan passes, sold for Rs 2,500: Maharashtra industries minister

Mumbai: Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant on Monday raised a serious complaint in the Legislative Council over the alleged misuse of MIDC letterheads to obtain entry passes for Vidhan Bhavan. Samant told chairman Ram Shinde that some people were using colour photocopies of official MIDC letterheads, along with fake signatures and the names of department officials, to secure passes illegally.Calling it a grave insult to the sanctity of Vidhan Bhavan, Samant said the matter came to his notice as a minister and could not be ignored. He alleged that bogus documents were being used in the name of his department and that passes were being sold for Rs 2,500. Displaying a purported MIDC letterhead carrying a forged signature, he demanded strict action against those involved, and added that there may be photocopies of letterheads of other govt departments as well.Samant also said a complaint was made to the chief minister's office, after which officials sought details on how such a breach took place. He referred to the role of department staff and said the issue pointed to a wider racket.Taking serious note of the complaint, Shinde announced the appointment of an inquiry committee and assured the House that strict action would be taken against the guilty by the end of the session.The issue comes months after a similar controversy in July 2025, when opposition leaders alleged visitor passes were being sold for Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.