Mumbai, Jan 6: A startling irregularity has emerged in Maharashtra’s Civil Registration System (CRS), with 27,398 birth and death certificates issued in Shendursani Gram Panchayat, a village with a population of just 1,300, prompting the state government to launch a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Officials described the discrepancy as a “highly disproportionate and alarming anomaly”, suggesting potential misuse, manipulation, or fraudulent activity involving the digital registration platform.
The SIT, led by the ADG, Maharashtra Cyber, includes the Deputy Director of Health Services and the District Health Officer as members. Field visits to the village are planned to verify records, examine operational processes, and identify systemic gaps.
A police case has been registered at Yavatmal city police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Initial investigations were conducted by the Yavatmal SDOP before the matter was handed over to the SIT.
According to officials, the probe will involve a detailed technical analysis, including examination of IP logs and questioning of individuals in whose names the certificates were generated, to ascertain the modus operandi and identify those responsible.
“This figure is grossly inconsistent with the village’s demographic profile and raises strong suspicion of misuse, manipulation, or fraudulent activity involving the digital registration platform,” an official said.
The SIT’s field verification aims to formulate corrective measures and preventive guidelines to ensure the integrity of digital registration systems and safeguard public trust.
“The visit will also support the formulation of corrective measures and preventive guidelines aimed at ensuring the integrity of digital registration systems and safeguarding public trust,” the official added.
The government emphasized the gravity of the matter, noting that the Home Department had initiated a comprehensive SIT-led investigation in view of its potential implications.
“In view of the gravity and potential implications of the matter, the Home Department has decided to initiate a comprehensive investigation through the SIT,” an official said.
The Civil Registration System (CRS), operated by state governments, district administrations, and local bodies, records births and deaths for use in school admissions, passports, pensions, insurance, and government schemes. While delayed registrations are permitted, authorities warned that fake entries, incorrect certificates, and data tampering constitute criminal offences.
