Fake birth, death records used for passports, funds: Somaiya

Yavatmal: The unearthing of fake birth and death records in Shendur Sani and Bhavani villages of Yavatmal district has triggered serious concerns, with senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleging that the forged documents were used to obtain passports, siphon government benefits and facilitate benami fund transfers. Following the revelations, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the racket.Somaiya on Tuesday visited the Yavatmal district collector's office and held discussions with district collector Vikas Meena and senior officials. He claimed the racket was organised and well-coordinated, with its network extending beyond Yavatmal to other parts of Maharashtra and several states across the country.Citing preliminary findings of the investigation, Somaiya said forged birth and death registrations were allegedly used for multiple financial and administrative purposes. He stressed that the probe must also examine whether such documents were misused to create sleeper identities or aid activities with serious security implications."The birth and death registration scam that has come to light is extensive in scale. Its presence has been found in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The Maharashtra DGP will also look into the exact purpose for which these fake documents were used," Somaiya said.He demanded that the investigation should not remain confined to the district level and called for supervision by the State Director General of Police to ensure a comprehensive probe. Somaiya also sought strict action against those involved and identification of the ultimate beneficiaries of the racket.Meanwhile, the SIT has begun its investigation and a review meeting was held in Yavatmal a few days ago. The case has raised serious administrative and security concerns, with officials closely watching the progress of the probe.