Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 10: In a major crackdown on forged documents, Mulund Police have registered an FIR against 367 individuals for allegedly obtaining birth certificates through illegal means, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The action follows a complaint filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who named four persons along with several unidentified individuals in the alleged racket involving fake documentation. Many of the accused are suspected to be Bangladeshi immigrants residing in Mumbai illegally.

Police said the case has been registered under Sections 336(3), 340(2), 318(4), 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 23 of the Birth Registration Act, and further investigation is underway.

Somaiya, who has consistently raised concerns about alleged infiltration, stated that strict measures are being taken to curb the issuance of fraudulent certificates. He had earlier praised Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for directing Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and district authorities to take strong action against such illegal activities.

Speaking about the broader operation, Somaiya said the government aims to dismantle the entire network involved in creating forged documents for infiltrators. Fadnavis too had recently assured that illegal Bangladeshi settlers in Mumbai and other parts of the state would soon face deportation.

In a related case in November, Jalgaon Police had arrested 43 Bangladeshi nationals who allegedly forged court orders to obtain birth certificates, with the investigation revealing theft of documents and seals from an Executive Magistrate’s office.

Further details on the Mulund case are awaited as police continue to identify more individuals linked to the illegal certification racket.