Two medical officers have been suspended, and further action is expected against others. The mayor stated that all documents issued after January 1 2016 will be thoroughly reviewed, officials said
Ritu Tawde said criminal cases will be filed against the doctors and health officials who issued these fake certificates. File Pic/X
Mumbai Mayor, Ritu Tawde, on Friday 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.
She also demanded a fresh investigation into cases where birth certificates were issued after a delay of 21 days.
Two medical officers have already been suspended, and further action is expected against others. The mayor stated that all documents issued after January 1, 2016 will be thoroughly reviewed, officials said.
Strict verification of hawkers
Former MP Kirit Somaiya had earlier demanded that fake certificates be seized and criminal action taken against the responsible officers. In response, Tawde ordered immediate verification of hawkers’ records, licences, identity proofs, and residential documents, the statement said.
It said that the mayor stressed that the municipal corporation and police must work together to check the identity documents of hawkers, including Aadhaar cards, and take legal action against those using fake papers.
Concerns over illegal residents
Tawde noted that complaints have been rising about the large number of hawkers in Mumbai, with some foreign nationals living illegally and doing business.
She said this not only increases financial pressure on local hawkers but also raises concerns about women’s safety in some areas.
The city mayor also highlighted that overcrowding on footpaths, unauthorised businesses, and encroachments are affecting law and order.
She said that BMC is committed to removing encroachments and providing a safer environment for residents and action has been ordered in various municipal wards, and officials have been instructed to enforce the law strictly.
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