Is There a Massive Birth Certificate Scam in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya claims a large-scale birth certificate fraud in Maharashtra, alleging that 97% of beneficiaries are illegal Bangladeshi Muslims. With thousands of arrests and ongoing investigations, he calls for immediate action against those lacking valid documentation. How serious is this issue, and what steps are being taken?
Key Takeaways
- Kirit Somaiya alleges a significant birth certificate scam in Maharashtra.
- 97% of beneficiaries reportedly lack valid documentation.
- Over 2,000 arrests have been made with plans for more.
- The UIDAI has canceled many fraudulent Aadhaar cards.
- Concerns regarding undocumented immigrants have been raised.
New Delhi, Sep 27 (NationPress) BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has raised serious allegations about a widespread fraudulent birth certificate scheme in Maharashtra. He asserts that the recent amendments to laws have facilitated the issuance of fake birth documents and Aadhaar cards to thousands of undocumented foreigners, primarily targeting Bangladeshi Muslims.
In an interview with IANS, Somaiya stated, "In 2024, the Indian government revised the law, shifting powers from judicial magistrates to tehsildars. This change initiated a nationwide scam. In Maharashtra, approval was granted for issuing birth certificates to 224,000 individuals. Upon examination, it was revealed that a staggering 97 percent of these individuals were Muslims of Bangladeshi origin, many aged between 25 and 50, lacking any legitimate proof of birth in Maharashtra or India."
Somaiya noted that the Maharashtra government has registered 28 FIRs and has apprehended 2,000 individuals, with plans to detain an additional 3,000 in the near future. He added that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has already voided thousands of Aadhaar cards linked to these fraudulent birth certificates following their verification of irregularities.
Moreover, he expressed concern regarding the influx of Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants, pressing the state government to deport those lacking valid documentation or proof of Indian citizenship.
"I have urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to implement stringent measures against the 47,000 individuals whose birth certificates and Aadhaar cards were issued without proper verification. These individuals either hail from Bangladesh or are Rohingyas and should be expelled immediately," he asserted.
Somaiya pointed to instances in Malegaon, where authorities have annulled the birth records of 3,977 individuals due to insufficient supporting documents. “In Malegaon, five FIRs have been lodged and 539 individuals have been brought to court, including 28 government officials and numerous agents. Investigations are still ongoing against 1,539 individuals,” he elaborated.
In Sambhajinagar, complaints have emerged against 800 individuals, with 140 already in court. Somaiya remarked that this scam has extended to Mumbai, specifically the Mankhurd area.
“Although the tehsildar and district officer only approved residency for three individuals, a corrupt BMC officer issued documents for 106,” he claimed.
He highlighted that following the government's strict actions in 2024, the number of birth certificate applications plummeted from 224,000 in 2025 to a mere 2,000.
Somaiya commended Maharashtra’s management of the situation, stating, "Central officials have recognized that Maharashtra has brought this issue to the forefront nationally. Just as 47,000 fraudulent cases were nullified in Maharashtra, similar initiatives are being undertaken in other states."
Taking a jab at the opposition, Somaiya juxtaposed Devendra Fadnavis' welfare-oriented initiatives with what he claims are corruption-laden programs under Uddhav Thackeray.
"The plans that Uddhav Thackeray devised were intended for himself, his associates, and his supporters to misappropriate funds. Conversely, Devendra Fadnavis aimed to provide financial assistance to 'Ladli Behnas'," said Somaiya.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach the claims made by Kirit Somaiya with due diligence. While the allegations highlight potential lapses in verification processes, it's essential to await comprehensive investigations and ensure that all individuals are treated fairly under the law. The government must address these allegations transparently to maintain public trust.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the birth certificate scam in Maharashtra?
The birth certificate scam involves allegations that thousands of undocumented foreign nationals, primarily Bangladeshi Muslims, have secured fake birth documents and Aadhaar cards through legal loopholes.
How many individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam?
So far, the Maharashtra government has arrested 2,000 individuals and plans to apprehend an additional 3,000.
What actions have been taken against fraudulent Aadhaar cards?
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has canceled thousands of Aadhaar cards that were issued based on fraudulent birth certificates.
What is Kirit Somaiya's stance on undocumented immigrants?
Somaiya has called for the deportation of individuals without valid documents, specifically targeting those he claims are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Rohingya.
What areas are affected by the scam?
The scam has been reported in various regions, including Malegaon, Sambhajinagar, and Mumbai, particularly in the Mankhurd area.
