Fake Birth Death Certificate Racket Unearthed in West Bengal; Police Conduct Statewide Raids

Fake Birth Death Certificate Racket investigations have intensified across West Bengal after authorities uncovered a large-scale network allegedly involved in issuing forged birth and death certificates. Acting on the findings during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of official records, the West Bengal Police launched simultaneous raids on Thursday at multiple municipal offices and gram panchayats, including several key locations in Kolkata.

The statewide operation is aimed at identifying fake certificates, tracing the individuals responsible for creating and issuing forged documents, and ensuring strict legal action against everyone involved. Officials are scrutinising both physical registers and digital databases as part of one of the state's most extensive verification drives in recent years.

Statewide Police Raids Across Municipal Bodies
As part of the coordinated investigation, police teams conducted searches at several important civic offices across West Bengal.

In Kolkata, raids were carried out at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Borough Offices 1, 2 and 10. Simultaneously, search operations were conducted at municipal offices in Habra, Gobardanga and Ashokenagar in North 24 Parganas district.

Investigating officers examined birth and death registration records maintained over several years. Officials are comparing physical registers with digital databases to identify discrepancies and determine whether forged certificates were issued through organised manipulation of official records.
Authorities believe the operation will help identify the origin of fake certificates and expose the network responsible for the alleged fraud.

Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal stated that if investigations reveal that any government employee or official knowingly approved false information or participated in irregularities, stringent departmental proceedings and legal action would follow.

Officials said accountability would extend to every level if evidence establishes deliberate negligence or involvement in fraudulent registration practices.
The administration has emphasised that the investigation is intended not only to identify forged documents but also to dismantle the entire network involved in producing and distributing them.

Verification Drive Uncovers Suspicious Documents
The large-scale investigation follows the discovery of multiple suspicious birth and death certificates during the ongoing verification exercise under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

According to officials, several documents are suspected to have been fraudulently issued over the years. Preliminary findings reportedly indicate a relatively higher number of questionable certificates originating from border districts, raising concerns over possible misuse of identity documents.
Authorities are now conducting detailed verification to determine whether the certificates were issued through procedural lapses, forged records or organised criminal activity.

Digital and Physical Records Under Scanner
Investigators are thoroughly examining both traditional paper registers and digital registration systems maintained by municipalities and gram panchayats.

Officials believe cross-verification of historical records with electronic databases will help identify inconsistencies and establish whether records were altered, duplicated or fabricated.

The investigation is also expected to determine whether forged certificates were used to obtain government benefits, identity documents or other official services.

New Measures to Prevent Future Fraud
In response to the alleged racket, the state government has already strengthened provisions governing the registration of births and deaths.
Officials said stricter verification mechanisms have been introduced to reduce the possibility of fraudulent registrations in the future.

Additionally, the West Bengal Police have issued a permanent advisory directing all municipalities and gram panchayats to preserve both historical and newly generated registration records in a systematic manner.

The move is intended to ensure that original documents remain available whenever future investigations become necessary.

Investigation to Cover Entire Network
Authorities have clarified that the probe will not stop with identifying fake certificates alone.
The objective is to identify every individual involved in the alleged racket, including those who may have facilitated document preparation, approval or illegal issuance.

Officials believe preserving official records and strengthening document verification systems will improve transparency and make future investigations more effective.

The ongoing investigation is expected to continue across multiple districts as police examine additional records and gather evidence.

The Fake Birth Death Certificate Racket investigation marks one of the most significant document verification drives undertaken in West Bengal in recent years. With coordinated police raids across Kolkata, municipalities and gram panchayats, the state government aims to identify forged certificates, fix accountability and dismantle the alleged network behind the fraud.

Authorities have reiterated that anyone found guilty—whether government officials or private individuals—will face strict legal and departmental action as the investigation progresses.