ATS Joins Probe Into 4,411 Fake Birth Certificates

The investigation into the 4,411 fake birth certificates issued in 2024-25 from Matiyabandhi panchayat under Chakulia Block of East Singhbhum district has expanded further, with the state Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) joining the probe, the arrest of the panchayat secretary and a block-level employee (BLE), and the unearthing of a WhatsApp group dealing in such fake certificates, officials close to the development said on Monday.

- Debashish Sarkar

JAMSHEDPUR:

Officials said the investigation is now exploring the possibility of fake certificates being issued to people from other districts, given the unusually high number issued from a single panchayat. The East Singhbhum district deputy commissioner (DC) has also ordered all block development officers (BDOs), medical officers in charge (MOICs) of all community health centres, and authorities of urban local bodies to recheck all such birth and other certificates issued by them to detect any such foul play.

"The panchayat secretary, Sunil Mahato, and BLE Swapan Mahato have been arrested, and an FIR has been registered in all cases of fake certificates issued. Police and the ATS, as directed by the DGP, are now investigating the case in totality. A few more people from a dubious WhatsApp group are also being detained for questioning, and some others are being pursued," Ananya Mittal, East Singhbhum DC, told HT on Monday.