3 hrs ago
Pune Police Probe Alleged Fake Kurash Certificate Racket
Pune Police are investigating certificates that may have falsely shown people taking part in Kurash competitions.
These certificates were allegedly used to seek government jobs through a sports quota.
Police have arrested two office-bearers of the Kurash Association of Maharashtra.
Investigators suspect that more than 1,500 certificates may have been created over about 10 years.
They have identified around 60 candidates who allegedly used such certificates.
About 19 of them may have obtained jobs in the police department.
Some certificates referred to competitions that police say never happened.
Investigators also found incorrect district names, missing numbers and other unusual details.
The probe is checking money transfers, possible government involvement and certificates in other sports.
Pune Police arrested two Kurash Association of Maharashtra office-bearers over alleged fake sports certificates.
Investigators suspect more than 1,500 Kurash certificates may have been issued over roughly a decade.
Around 60 candidates are being examined, including about 19 suspected of obtaining police department jobs.
Police found alleged discrepancies including nonexistent competitions, outdated district names, missing serial numbers and gender mismatches.
Candidates were allegedly charged ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per certificate, while the probe is expanding to other sports.
- Who
- Pune Police, two arrested office-bearers of the Kurash Association of Maharashtra, and candidates suspected of using the certificates.
- What
- An investigation into an alleged racket involving fake sports proficiency certificates used for government employment and other sports-quota benefits.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra, with records and certificates being examined across government departments and sports organizations.
- When
- The two office-bearers were arrested on Thursday; investigators are examining certificates allegedly issued over roughly the past decade, including documents from 2016 to 2019.
- Why
- The certificates were allegedly created and sold so candidates could claim sports participation and seek government jobs or other concessions under the 5% sports quota.
Key facts
- Arrests
- Shivaji Jaywant Salunkhe and Ankush Vitthal Nagar were arrested.
- Suspected certificates
- Police suspect more than 1,500 Kurash certificates may have been issued.
- Candidates identified
- Around 60 candidates allegedly approached government departments using such certificates.
- Potential police jobs
- Approximately 19 people are suspected of having secured jobs in the police department.
- Alleged price
- Candidates were reportedly charged ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per certificate.
- Questioned records
- Police found alleged references to competitions that had not taken place, incorrect district names and certificates without serial numbers.
- Broader investigation
- The probe is examining possible certificates in Dragon Boat, Wushu and other sports.
Quotes
An officer associated with the investigation
An unnamed officer involved in the police investigation into the certificates.
“These documents, purportedly dating back nine to 10 years, were allegedly used to prepare records and submit papers to the sports department showing that competitions had taken place and that the concerned candidates had participated in them”
freepressjournal.in
“Without the involvement of a person working in the sports department, it is difficult for such certificates to pass through the system. We are investigating the matter thoroughly.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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