Maharashtra Fake Sports Certificate Racket: 71 Government Recruits Under Scanner
BH24 NEWS
A major fake sports certificate racket in Maharashtra has raised serious questions over government recruitment. At least 71 people recruited to the Maharashtra Police and other government departments since 2023 are now under scrutiny. Investigators suspect that some candidates may have used fake Kurash certificates to claim benefits under the sports quota.
The Pune Crime Branch is investigating the alleged racket. Officials are checking certificates, competition records and recruitment documents to determine who received jobs using forged credentials.
Fake Kurash Certificates Used for Sports Quota
According to investigators, around 1,500 questionable Kurash certificates may have been distributed between 2016 and 2023. These certificates allegedly showed candidates participating in or winning competitions that may never have taken place. Kurash is a Central Asian combat sport that is recognised in major sporting events, including the Asian Games.
The alleged fraud appears to have targeted Maharashtra’s sports quota. Investigators are checking whether candidates knowingly submitted fake documents and whether intermediaries collected money for arranging certificates. The probe has now expanded beyond Pune to several districts.
Two Suspects Arrested in Maharashtra
Police have arrested Shivaji Jaywant Salunkhe and Ankush Vitthal Nagar in connection with the alleged racket. Investigators said the two presented themselves as office bearers of a Kurash association that was not properly registered or affiliated with the national association.
Authorities are now examining the original certificates, competition records, signatures and other recruitment documents. They are also investigating whether government officials or intermediaries played any role in verifying the disputed certificates.
Government Jobs Under Scrutiny
The investigation could widen further as officials examine recruitment records from different departments. Police are yet to determine how many candidates knowingly used fraudulent certificates and how many government appointments were actually secured through them.
The case has also raised concerns about the verification of sports certificates used for government recruitment. Authorities are expected to take further action after completing the document verification and identifying those responsible for the alleged fraud.
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