05 May,2026 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Mumbai Crime Branch began its investigation after receiving a large number of complaints pointing to similar fraudulent registrations across the city. Representational Pic
The Mumbai Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe cases involving alleged fake birth certificates obtained through forged documents in the city, officials said on Tuesday, PTI reported.
Civic authorities have found that more than 87,000 bogus birth certificates were allegedly issued between 2024 and 2026 by manipulating official records.
The Mumbai Crime Branch began its investigation after receiving a large number of complaints pointing to similar fraudulent registrations across the city.
Given the seriousness of the issue, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti ordered the formation of the SIT to conduct a thorough probe into the offences and complaints, an official said.
The SIT will be headed by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) and will include senior officers from the Crime Branch, Special Branch, and detection units.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has alleged that bogus birth certificates were being issued to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas in parts of Maharashtra as part of a larger scam.
Mumbai Mayor, Ritu Tawde, last week, directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) health department to seize 237 fake birth certificates issued to illegal residents within one month, officials said.
They said that she also announced that the city will carry out strict checks on birth certificates held by hawkers, especially those believed to be illegal foreign residents.
The announcement came after a review meeting at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters on February 13 2026.
Tawde held a press conference following the meeting, in which she revealed that action will be taken against those involved in issuing fake documents.
In an official statement, the Mumbai civic body said that the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Public Health, Sharad Ughade, said that all 237 certificates have been cancelled on the official portal.
However, Tawde said criminal cases will be filed against the doctors and health officials who issued these fake certificates.
So far, eight people have been charged, and action against the remaining officials will begin from Monday, the statement said.
(With PTI inputs)
