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SIT to probe birth certificate racket in BMC
Mumbai police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a large-scale birth certificate fraud in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The scheme allegedly involved 87,347 certificates issued through an unauthorized SAP system bypassing the CRS portal, with investigations triggered by a BJP leader’s complaint and followed by officer transfers and a formal inquiry.
Why It Matters
The case highlights vulnerabilities in identity verification and the potential misuse of birth certificates for official IDs, including Aadhaar, raising concerns about integrity of electoral rolls and civil records.
Timeline
6 Events
May 5, 2026: BJP's Somaiya alleges cover-up and Aadhaar risk
May 5, 2026
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya alleged a cover-up by civic authorities, warning that the certificates could be misused for Aadhaar or other official IDs. He cited examples, including a certificate issued in the name 'Pinky' and later reissued as 'Ayesha' without cancelling the old record.
May 5, 2026: SIT constituted to probe birth certificate racket
May 5, 2026
Mumbai police instituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the birth certificate fraud in the BMC, to be headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Lakhmi Gautam, following orders of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
May 4, 2026: MOHs transferred or suspended
May 4, 2026
Ward-level Medical Officers of Health were transferred or suspended as part of the probe, including MOHs in Andheri (K East), Dahisar (R North), Byculla (E ward) and Kurla (L ward). Specific names cited include Dr Vaishali Khade, Dr Sunita Pawar, and Dr Nitish Thakur; Dr Shailendra Gujar was suspended.
May 4, 2026: Mayor cites scope of the scam and number of illegal certificates
May 4, 2026
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde stated that approximately 87,347 birth certificates were issued illegally through the now-discontinued SAP system, spanning about 26 municipal wards. She directed removal of records and FIRs against those responsible.
April 29, 2026: Deputy Director writes to executive health officer
April 29, 2026
Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, Deputy Director of Health Services and Deputy Chief Registrar of births and deaths, wrote to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's executive health officer citing BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's complaint and requesting a preliminary report on the matter.
Fraud period begins (2024)
2024
Allegations indicate the birth certificate irregularities began in 2024 and continued into 2026, involving the BMC Health Department issuing 87,347 birth certificates through an unauthorized SAP system that bypassed the CRS portal.