Fake Birth Certificate Scam: BMC Suspends Health Officer After Probe into 94 Illegally Issued Certificates. By UnderCover Editor News AgencyEditor: Mahesh Rathod In a major revelation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended the Health Officer and Registrar of M-East Ward (Govandi) after an internal investigation exposed the issuance of 94 fake birth certificates without proper verification or documentation. The civic action follows a detailed inquiry that uncovered serious irregularities in the M-East Ward’s birth registration system, where certificates were reportedly issued to individuals without valid medical or hospital records. The incident has raised major questions about accountability within the municipal administration. Letter Submitted to BMC Commissioner According to an official communication dated November 5, 2025, addressed to BMC Commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, it was highlighted that between 2024 and 2025, a total of 100 to 102 birth certificates were allegedly issued illegally from the M-East ward. The letter further noted that Health Officer Dr. Sanjay Funde and other civic officials were responsible for the approval of 94 such certificates, many of which were linked to individuals found to be foreign nationals living illegally. The correspondence also mentioned that in December 2024, it was discovered that several certificates had been issued for births that never took place at the hospitals named in the records. SIT and Departmental Action Recommended The Maharashtra Government had earlier formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the issue of fraudulent birth and death certificates issued across different wards of Mumbai. The official communication requested that the BMC Commissioner immediately remove Dr. Funde and other responsible officers from their positions pending inquiry and to expand the scope of investigation to include all health officers under whose supervision such irregularities may have occurred. It also advised a thorough audit of all hospitals and ward-level offices involved in the issuance of birth certificates between 2024 and 2025. BMC’s Internal Action and Future Steps Following the internal probe, BMC headquarters has confirmed the suspension of Dr. Sanjay Funde, the Health Officer and Registrar of M-East Ward, along with the initiation of departmental proceedings against two assistant officials. Civic authorities have further stated that an FIR will be registered at Deonar Police Station under relevant sections for falsification of public records and misuse of government data. The civic body also assured that digital tracking and verification systems will be strengthened to prevent any such misuse of official birth records in the future. Call for Citywide Audit The BMC has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive audit of all birth and death records issued in the past two years across Mumbai. This citywide review aims to identify any additional irregularities, ensure proper record verification, and hold accountable any officials involved in malpractice or negligence. — Reported by UnderCover Editor News Agency Editor: Mahesh Rathod