Mumbai
The Maharashtra government has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to look into the issuance of birth and death certificates for delayed applications. This move aims to curb illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh. The SIT, led by Inspector General Datta Karale, will investigate certificates issued for applications made at least a year after the event. This probe follows concerns raised after a Bangladeshi national was arrested in connection with a knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the investigation will cover both previously issued certificates and pending applications. The formation of the SIT comes after BJP leader Kirit Somaiya accused officials of a birth certificate scam. Somaiya alleged that a large number of delayed birth certificates were issued, particularly in Akola, Yavatmal, and Nagpur districts. He further claimed that two lakh Bangladeshi Rohingyas applied for birth certificates in Maharashtra, leading to the suspension of a tehsildar in Malegaon.
The government has now tasked the SIT with investigating the legitimacy of these registrations to prevent illegal immigration, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh. The probe reflects the growing concern over the issuance of documents that could potentially allow illegal immigrants to settle in the state.