Mumbai Police Form SIT to Investigate Fake Birth Certificates for Illegal Foreign Nationals Mumbai police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a widespread racket involving the issuance of fake birth registration certificates to illegal foreign nationals. The move comes after revelations that thousands of fraudulent documents have been obtained through unverified processes, enabling unauthorized individuals to secure residency in the city. An officer stated that the SIT, led by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), will investigate systemic lapses in the BMC’s procedures and identify those responsible for the scandal. The SIT will include senior officials such as the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime), the Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection), and other Crime Branch officers. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya praised the decision, criticizing the BMC for continuing to issue illegal certificates through the outdated “SAP” system despite the shift to the CRS portal for birth and death registrations. He highlighted that the SAP system has issued over 87,347 forged certificates since 2024, with 30,507 filed in 2024, 49,705 in 2025, and 7,135 in 2026. In contrast, only 33,700 certificates were issued through the CRS system during the same period. Data revealed that the highest number of fraudulent certificates were filed in M/East ward (Mankhurd, Deonar), followed by L ward (Kurla), K/West ward (Andheri West), E ward (Byculla), and H/West ward (Khar, Bandra West). Somaiya accused BMC officials of persisting with the old system, citing instances where certificates were filed under excuses like spelling errors or altered birth dates to avoid detection.#special_investigation_team #mumbai_police #bmc #kirit_somaiya #mumbai_mayor_ritu_tawde
SIT to probe fake birth certificates issued to foreign nationals in Mumbai A special investigation team (SIT) led by the joint commissioner of police (crime) in Mumbai is launching an inquiry into the alleged issuance of fake birth certificates to illegal foreign nationals. The probe will focus on the manipulation of official records and the identification of individuals responsible for the fraudulent activity. Earlier this year, Mumbai police had filed a case against two former officials from the BMC medical health department, accusing them of approving birth certificates without verifying necessary documentation. The investigation centers on the misuse of the SAP (State Administrative Portal) system and the newer CRS (Citizen Registration System) portal. According to allegations by Somaiya, a key figure in the case, between 2024 and 2025, 33,772 records were simultaneously registered under the SAP system while the CRS portal was being used for corrections. This dual use of systems, which were meant to streamline birth registration, is described as a major scam involving collusion with BMC officials. Somaiya claimed that across all 26 BMC wards, 87,347 birth certificates were issued illegally under the SAP system, which was officially discontinued in December 2015. The CRS system, introduced on January 1, 2016, was supposed to replace the SAP system, requiring all certificates to be issued through it. However, the SAP system was allegedly used for "corrections" over the past two years, with officials manipulating data to issue certificates under the guise of rectifying errors.#special_investigation_team #joint_commissioner_of_police_crime #somaiya #bmc_medical_health_department #sap_state_administrative_portal
Amravati sex abuse: 15-year-old Nagpur survivor breaks taboo, travels 250km to record statement before SIT A 15-year-old survivor from Nagpur made headlines by traveling 250 kilometers to submit a statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Amravati, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that had stalled due to the reluctance of survivors to come forward. The case involves the arrest of Ayaan and seven others, but the absence of formal complaints from survivors posed a major legal obstacle. Despite identifying eight survivors through Ayaan’s interrogation, none initially stepped forward, fearing social stigma and backlash. Amravati police, in collaboration with the State Minorities Commission, Child Welfare Committee, and counselors, launched a concerted effort to encourage survivors to share their accounts. Their persistence paid off when the 15-year-old girl agreed to provide her statement to the SIT. The development was confirmed by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who highlighted the girl’s courage and urged other survivors to come forward. Bawankule also assured the public that the government would provide full support and promised to trace any accused individuals, regardless of their location. The minister emphasized the importance of breaking societal taboos to ensure justice for victims. He called on the public to report any evidence or information related to the case, stating that no accused would escape accountability. The incident underscores the challenges faced by survivors in reporting crimes, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse, where cultural stigma often deters victims from seeking help. The case highlights the critical role of community engagement and legal safeguards in overcoming barriers to justice.#nagpur #amravati #special_investigation_team #chandrashekhar_bawankule #ayaan
Ashok Kharat case: Godman impregnated victim, gave her abortion pills, say police A self-styled "godman" named Ashok Kharat has been remanded in police custody in a rape case, following allegations that he sexually exploited a woman between February 2020 and March 2026. The prosecution claims he impregnated the victim, administered abortion pills, and coerced her relatives to surrender their Aadhaar and PAN cards. The case has drawn significant attention due to the alleged use of black magic and the legal arguments surrounding consent and evidence. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the case reported that Kharat has not cooperated with the probe. During a court hearing, the investigating officer stated that Kharat raped the woman and impregnated her, then gave her abortion medication. The officer emphasized that Kharat is the "mastermind" behind the alleged crimes and has refused to assist the police. The prosecution argued that the victim was subjected to repeated sexual exploitation over nearly six years, with threats to her children used as psychological coercion. When she became pregnant, Kharat allegedly provided abortion pills and forced her family members, including her brother and mother, to hand over their identification documents. The prosecution further alleged that Kharat administered sedatives to the victim and used a consistent method of exploitation across all his victims. They requested that Kharat be held in police custody for seven days to determine which medicines were given to the victim and to investigate why he took documents from her family. Throughout the hearing, Kharat remained silent, facing the camera with clasped hands and refusing to comment.#court #ashok_kharat #special_investigation_team #black_magic_act #victim
A court in Nashik granted an extension of police custody for Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, until April 1. The order came after the court heard arguments from both the prosecution and defense in a case involving multiple allegations against Kharat, who was arrested on March 18 following a rape accusation. Kharat, who led a temple trust in Mirgaon, Nashik district, had been visited by several prominent Maharashtra politicians over the years. The arrest followed claims by a woman that he raped her repeatedly over three years. Authorities have registered ten FIRs against him, including eight for alleged sexual assault or exploitation and two for cheating, all filed at Sarkarwada police station. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case reported receiving over 100 complaints, predominantly from women, in recent days. During a court hearing on Sunday, public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde stated that the investigation is ongoing and Kharat has not cooperated with authorities. The SIT is still examining his properties, the so-called "water" used to seduce victims, and digital evidence, including mobile phone data and contact lists. The prosecutor highlighted that a clone report of Kharat’s mobile data has been obtained, and investigators are checking whether he stored political leaders’ names under false identities. Bagde also noted that the inquiry into potential accomplices and the collection of further digital evidence require extended custody. The SIT submitted Kharat’s laptops, mobile phone, and documents to the court, with officer Kirankumar Suryavanshi detailing the investigation’s progress and requesting custody extension. Defense lawyer Sachin Bhate challenged the necessity of prolonged custody, arguing the probe had concluded. In contrast, lawyer M.Y.#nashik #ashok_kharat #special_investigation_team #mirgaon #shailendra_bagde
Maharashtra Launches Tech-Driven Crackdown on Illegal Mining The Maharashtra government announced a comprehensive crackdown on illegal mining operations, leveraging advanced technology to address regulatory lapses and environmental concerns. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule revealed that a detailed Electronic Total Station (ETS) survey and Google-based mapping of the entire state will be completed within three months. This initiative aims to accurately assess the extent of minor mineral extraction and identify unauthorized activities. Bawankule emphasized the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by senior IPS officers and divisional commissioners, to probe illegal mining networks. The SIT will focus on dismantling the illicit racket by investigating sites operating without verified leases, environmental clearances, or licenses for explosives. The minister highlighted that several mining locations have been functioning in violation of regulations, contributing to revenue losses and environmental degradation. To ensure accountability, the government will conduct a five-year audit of mining permissions, scrutinizing past approvals for irregularities. Officials who allegedly facilitated illegal mining activities over the past five years will face departmental inquiries. Additionally, a strict enforcement measure will be implemented: any truck found transporting minerals illegally three times will have its registration permanently revoked by the transport authority. The government also plans to present a white paper in the next legislative session, detailing the scale of illegal mining across the state. Bawankule assured farmers that individuals extracting minor minerals for personal or housing use will not face legal action.#maharashtra #special_investigation_team #chandrashekhar_bawankule #electronic_total_station #white_paper
Nashik Court Extends Custody of 'Godman' Ashok Kharat to March 29; Two Attempt to Attack Him Outside Court A court in Nashik on Tuesday extended the police custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to March 29 in a rape case that has gained significant attention. Kharat, who was arrested on March 18, was produced before the court under heavy security measures. Outside the courtroom, a man attempted to attack him but was intercepted by police and detained. Later, another individual from the crowd tried to assault him as he was being escorted out of the premises. The prosecution informed the court that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by deputy Superintendent of Police Kirankumar Suryavanshi, had recovered several items from Kharat’s possession, including a revolver, 21 cartridges, five empty shells, Rs 6 lakh in cash, two laptops, and some documents. Public prosecutor Ajay Misar stated that new details about Kharat’s alleged illegal activities were emerging daily, prompting the request for further custody. Kharat, who heads a temple trust at Mirgaon in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik district, denied the allegations during his court appearance. He claimed he was not involved in any form of black magic. When asked about reports of keeping a mechanised king cobra and a tiger for intimidation, he expressed ignorance regarding such claims. Despite his lawyers opposing the police’s plea for extended custody, the court approved the extension until March 29. Outside the court, activist Trupti Desai of the Bhumata Brigade attempted to charge at Kharat but was stopped by police. The SIT has registered six cases against Kharat, including allegations involving a pregnant woman.#ashok_kharat #special_investigation_team #nashik_court #kirankumar_suryavanshi #trupti_desai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that no one will be exempt from accountability in the investigation into the rape-accused astrologer Ashok Kharat, emphasizing that the case is being monitored at the highest level. Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case is under strict oversight and that political affiliations will not shield any individuals. "This is a matter of women's dignity. No one will be spared under any circumstances," he declared, dismissing attempts by the opposition to politicize the case. Fadnavis directed the director general of police (DGP) to oversee the probe, highlighting efforts to encourage victims to come forward. He acknowledged societal pressures that often prevent women from reporting crimes, stating that investigators are working to reassure victims and their families to foster courage. "We are aware that women do not come forward immediately due to shame or social pressure," he said, adding that the administration has taken proactive steps to support victims. The chief minister revealed that his government uncovered the case based on intelligence inputs, calling it "extremely serious." He emphasized that the investigation is being handled at the most senior levels, with the Nashik commissioner of police and the SIT collaborating closely. Fadnavis also addressed opposition demands for action against individuals linked to Kharat, questioning why those in the former Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government who provided favors to the accused should not face consequences. He cited the example of a 40-km water line project approved through a special Cabinet meeting, asking why such actions were not previously scrutinized.#devendra_fadnavis #maha_vikas_aghadi #ashok_kharat #special_investigation_team #maharashtra_women_s_commission
