9 hrs ago

Pune Probe Finds Widespread Anomalies in Kurash Certificates

Pune police are investigating certificates that may have been falsely issued for Kurash competitions.

Some people allegedly used these certificates to get government jobs through a sports quota.

Investigators found men listed as winners in women’s events.

They also found a person weighing under 60 kilograms listed in a 90-kilogram competition.

Some documents used district names that did not exist at the time of the supposed events.

Other records had signatures from officials who took office years later.

Police say some competitions may have existed only on paper.

Four people have been arrested so far.

The investigation is checking whether candidates, intermediaries or officials helped use the documents.

Key facts

Arrests: Four people have been arrested, including Shivaji Jaywant Salunkhe, Ankush Vitthal Nagar, Dhairyasheel Pungaonkar and Shruti Pungaonkar.
Certificates under scrutiny: About 1,500 Kurash certificates dated between 2016 and 2023 were allegedly distributed through the racket.
Government recruits under investigation: Seventy-one candidates recruited since 2023 to the Maharashtra Police and other government departments are under scrutiny.
Main anomalies: Records include male winners in women’s categories, incorrect weight categories, outdated district names and signatures from later office-bearers.
District-name issue: Dharashiv was officially known as Osmanabad until September 15, 2023, while Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was previously known as Aurangabad.
Investigative body: A Special Investigation Team has been formed, and raids have taken place in at least four districts.

indianexpress.com · 10 hrs ago