Fake birth certificate racket suspected in Pakur

Pioneer News Service
Pakur

A café operator accused of preparing fake birth certificates was handed over to the police by villagers in Jharkhand’s Pakur district on Sunday, prompting an official investigation into an alleged document forgery racket ahead of the state’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The incident occurred in Pahariya Tola under Navratanpur Panchayat in Pakur Sadar block, where locals detained the operator, identified as Hemant Kumar, and informed revenue and police officials. According to villagers, the accused had allegedly been charging between ₹2,000 and ₹10,000 to prepare birth certificates for applicants over the past month.

Residents claimed their suspicions arose after they attempted to use the certificates for Aadhaar-related work at an enrolment centre and were reportedly informed that the documents appeared to be fake. They then allegedly called the operator to the village under the pretext of preparing additional certificates before detaining him.

Following the complaint, Circle Officer Arvind Kumar Bedia and local police reached the spot, where villagers handed over the accused to the authorities. While some residents demanded refunds for the money allegedly paid, officials persuaded the crowd and took the suspect into custody for questioning.

Police said the accused is a resident of Khandan Para in Pakur and is originally from Bakshisa village in Hiranpur block. He also reportedly operates a café in the Talwadanga area. During preliminary questioning, Hemant allegedly told investigators that a person identified as Deepak from Godda prepared the birth certificates and claimed he was unaware they were forged. Police are examining these claims and investigating the wider network behind the alleged operation.

Officials stated that the inquiry is ongoing and that appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings.

The case comes against the backdrop of previous allegations of fraudulent Aadhaar enrolment activities in Pakur. In an earlier probe, an administrative team reportedly identified several Aadhaar centres suspected of irregularities, although many operators had allegedly shut their centres before inspections could be completed. One case was subsequently registered against an operator in the Bhawanipur area.

Authorities have urged citizens to obtain official documents only through authorised channels and warned that action will be taken against those involved in document forgery or fraud.