West Bengal Police launched coordinated raids and search operations across panchayat and municipal offices in the state from Thursday morning, targeting a widespread fake birth and death certificate racket that allegedly flourished ahead of the recently concluded Assembly polls. The crackdown follows allegations that fraudulent certificates were used to insert bogus names into the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Key Locations Under the Scanner

Search operations are underway at multiple locations across the state, including Suri, Rampurhat, and Dubrajpur in Birbhum district, Cooch Behar town in Cooch Behar district, and the industrial township in West Burdwan district, among others. Investigators are questioning staff responsible for birth and death registrations at each of the targeted offices.

What the Police Said

A senior state police officer confirmed the scope of the operation. 'During the Special Intensive Revision exercise in the voter list, there were allegations of issuing fake birth certificates across the state,' the officer said. 'It is claimed that birth certificates were issued irregularly and that fake birth and death certificate rackets mushroomed in the state with active involvement of sections within the different panchayats and municipalities.'

The officer added that the illegal activity allegedly flourished due to attempts to include the names of fake voters in the electoral rolls. 'Now the administration has taken a stand on it and decided to bust and finish these rackets from the roots,' the officer said.

Documents Seized for Examination

Police have taken birth and death registration registers and related documents from the raided offices into custody for detailed examination. Investigators will verify whether any certificates were issued illegally or on the basis of forged documents. Senior officials at the relevant offices may also be questioned, according to the police officer.

New Rules Introduced After Government Change

Following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's assumption of power in West Bengal, the state administration introduced stricter norms for issuing birth and death certificates. New registration rules were notified after a cabinet meeting, aimed at preventing the circulation of fraudulent documents. The current raids are being seen as an enforcement action underpinning those regulatory changes.

What Happens Next

The raids are ongoing, and investigators are expected to file detailed reports based on the seized documents. Depending on findings, formal arrests and further questioning of senior panchayat and municipal officials remain possible. The outcome of this crackdown could have broader implications for electoral roll integrity in the state ahead of future polls.