Former Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Corporator Booked After 20 Years Over Alleged Fake Caste Certificate

Mumbai: In a significant legal development, a former corporator of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has been booked nearly two decades after allegedly using a fake caste certificate to contest and win a reserved seat in the 2002 civic elections.

According to police, an FIR has been registered against Ramesh Suresh Kamble, a resident of Chembur, who is accused of fraudulently obtaining a caste certificate in 1998 by claiming affiliation with the Hindu Mahar community. He allegedly used this certificate to contest the 2002 BMC elections from Ward 192, which was reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates.

Case Resurfaces After Years

The matter originally came to light when the runner-up candidate challenged Kamble’s caste claim before the Caste Scrutiny Committee at Konkan Bhavan in CBD Belapur. The committee ruled the certificate invalid in 2005—a decision that was later upheld by both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

Despite these findings, no criminal case was registered at the time, raising questions over delays in legal action.

Fresh FIR and Charges

The current FIR was filed following a complaint by advocate Chitra Anant Salunke, who cited previous judicial findings and alleged inaction by authorities. The case was initially registered as a zero FIR in Belapur and later transferred to Chembur police station for jurisdictional reasons.

Kamble has been booked under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and using forged documents as genuine.

Allegations of Delay and Lapses

The complainant has criticised the police response as “mechanical” and raised concerns about the prolonged delay in initiating criminal proceedings, despite clear rulings from judicial bodies. There are also demands to transfer the investigation to the Crime Branch for a more thorough probe.

Key Highlights of the Case

• Alleged fake caste certificate obtained in 1998
• Contested and won 2002 BMC election from SC-reserved ward
• Certificate declared invalid in 2005
• High Court and Supreme Court upheld findings
• FIR registered in 2026 after nearly 20 years

Conclusion

The case underscores serious concerns over misuse of reservation benefits and delayed justice in electoral fraud matters. As investigations proceed, the development highlights the importance of accountability and timely legal action in safeguarding the integrity of democratic institutions in Mumbai.